WALTHAM 18 SIZE VANGUARD PLUGGED

S/N 12001313=1902 Databases say it is a 19 jewel. It is plugged 23 jewels. We all know that Waltham did this. I personally have not seen a 19 jewel converted to a 23 Jewel. I bet someone has and can give me the low down on it. Comments welcome.

Regards
Roger

Movement

S/N 12001313

Movt.2

Roger , very nice Vanguard!I've seen quite a few pics of plugged Walthams, but mostly 16 sizes, I don't know much about that to be of any help.Have you checked on the '92 model research site? They have a lot of good info on all 92 models.I think that the 18S Vanguards were the sharpest looking RR movements ever made!I have a 21 jewel, it's one of my most prized watches.Thanks for showing it!, Ted.

Thanks Ted, I had a 21jewel and sold it here on this site a few months ago and have regretted it ever since! I did check with the '92 Site and all I could determine was that 19 and 21 jewels were up-jeweled and plugged with 23 jewels. All I know about this watch is that it runs spot on with my computer after 68 hrs. I think it could be an original marriage,dial,case etc. And I really like it!! Roger

Roger; I have had a couple plugged 21 Jewel Vanguards. In checking I do not believe I have ever had the 19 Jewel. The plugged 18S 1892 models are not seen nearly as often as the 16 size, I believe the ones I had were in that 12 million serial number range as well. That one is a keeper.

My thoughts are these were plugged to compete with Elgin and Hampden and others who also offered 23J models at the time as well as deplete their inventory of 19J stock which didn't sell as well because of jewel count and price. They also probably needed more 23 Jewel models to keep up with demand? Jewel count was all the rage back then.

I believe their 19 Jewel 1892 model was their highest quality railroad watch made, and one of their most expensive.

I am a 19 Jewel "nut", my three favorite quality railroad watches being the 18S 19J 1892 Vanguard, the 16S 19J 1899 Vanguard and the 16S 19J Illinois Sangamo Special.

Yours is a beauty, see my "Standard" 19 Jewel below

I show 12001313 to be the 13th watch in a 200 unit run which started it's life as a 19 jewel Vanguard from a run; 12001301-12001500. I don't know how many may have been up-jeweled like 12001313.

Additionally research shows there were only 4,490 of the OF 1892 19Jewel Vanguards that were ever to be made while close to 50,000 OF 23jewel Vanguards were made. [There were 12 total runs made of the OF 19jewel Vanguards and 12001313 was from the 2nd run and it was the 313th of the 4,490 produced.]

Being the 13th may bring you 'bad luck'. You may want to send it to me for "Ghost-Bustering" and I will dispose of it for you


regards,
bb

Both nice ones. I just love these movements!

Thank you for showing them.

Regards,
Larry

Thanks everyone for the nice words. Thanks Buster for your generous offer. Maybe 13 is unlucky for me since my birthdate falls on the 13th. Now I know why I have always had bad luck! Buster,I will send the watch to you for "Busterizing" via the flying pig Keep your eyes on the sky!

Roger