I'm a sucker for script signed dials and liked this distinguished case. When she came in, I was a bit disappointed that the jewels had flea poop all over them and the mung in the edges of the double sunk dial had to go. That is also when I figured out she is pendant set.

Not sure what I had and not sure I wanted to risk opening her up, I took the watch to Dave for his assessment. I got plenty of affirmation on finding a nice piece and left my new girl with the pro's.

Earl did a great job of detailing every nook and cranny. I happened by to check in just in time find Dave making the timing adjustments. He showed me how the main screws were already dialed all the way in. Then he put her on his magic syncopation machine to show me how many beats slow she was running.

Dave proceeded to remove opposing balance screws and put them on a nifty little gold hogging machine. One turn, two turns and another half turn for good measure each. Now a couple milligrams lighter, he returned the screws to their homes in the balance wheel and put her back on the syncopation machine. When she came up to 18,000 and settled down there, he just looked over and gave me a simple smile.

This is great fun. Thanks to all for bringing me along.

And the movement

And a picture to show the Commander 14ct gold filled guaranteed 25 year case was never cut for a lever.

This production run was 7578001-7579000 I don't know how to check if there were other runs of this model. S/N 7578253 (ca1896)

Thanks Paul, but you get the credit for picking up on this beauty and becoming it's rescuer. I have to also (as usual) give my appreciation to Chris Abell who is a constant source of very relevant "constructive encouragement" for some of my affectations about watch servicing.

Pauls Model 1892 is an altogether original early Model 1892 Waltham of exceptional condition. Earl and I observed that it had seen almost no service in it's lifetime making it a real "charm" to restore. I did have to replace a couple Staffs, and undercut a couple Balance weights to bring it back to good time. The mean time screws were adjusted all the way in and so I compensated for a little faster rate to bring the Mean Time screws back out about a turn.

Dave, are you able to show how balance weights are undercut?

Is it done on the lathe, or is there a dedicated tool for that?

Dave,

Having had the good fortune of watching you perform this task, I'd love to see a technical thread on the various tools you find most useful.

The Colet Tweezers you used to manage the screw are the cat's meow. The pedestal with the sized undercutting bits looked a lot like my screw driver stand except the bits were stationary and dead vertical. Both worthy of show an tell photos.

I think the most impressive part for me was watching you flip down your Santa Claus eye piece and casually lining the screw up on the cutting bit with out having to use both hands to find the tiny target.