I'm looking at a group of watches which includes this 18s William Ellery marked Boston, Mass, serial 78063. It's missing the regulator and the arbor for setting the hands. Notice the "ghost" of the missing regulator. It's in what appears to be a sterling silver case, marked American Watch 1637, which is decent, but missing the bezel and crystal. From what I could find, it appears to be a Model 1859 from 1863. It's the first KWKS watch I've touched. Can anyone advise what this might be worth?

Thanks

Doug

Front of case

Dial

Doug, this is a very hard call. The published value of these models is too small to justify the expense. It is "civil war" period and that may increase the actual collector value, the crystal bezel could be the biggest problem unless Leon Harris, our case repair person can fashion a new one.

Thanks for the input Dave. That's what I needed to know.

Doug if the balance is good. Then I would say: It sure is worth it. We can most likely find a bezel for it. There is a guy I know that has a stash of them.

The star on the case is worth trying by it's self.

To bad we don't know if it is a Texas Star.

The Hand-written factory record shows S/N 78063 was manufactured in July, 1863, 78001-300 with "4 holes" jeweled, giving it an 11 Jewel movement.

The 4Th wheel (seconds hand) arbor is good which is a BIG PLUS and so if the balance staff is good, I would do everything possible to restore it.

I agree with Eugene about the case, so the rest looks very "do-able".

I agree very collectable civil war era watch...Worth restoring...

This is the Model Abe Lincoln owned and carried so ... what was the question ?

Civil war; five digit#; good dial; likely first case (the belt circle shield with one star).

Regards
Gerald

Doug it is worth fixing. The civil war period Walthams command a substantial premium from collectors and reenactment groups. The case is worth trying to fix up but if you must put the movement in another case a Waltham case of that period can be found for a reasonable amount. I am working on an 1864 version of your watch, the William Ellery, and I would guess you could get 500-750 from a reenactor. Of course you could also have it engraved to Abe from Mary and that would help.

Eugene, is this friend of yours that has a stash of hunter case bezels a member of the 185? I have an 18s hunter case that needs a bezel and I've been wanting to find someone who has a bunch of bezels. I want to send the case to the person for them to see if they have something that fits, then pay them for the part and return shipping. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Try Don Barrett for fitting of bezels for your hunter cases. Don has many bezels and get with him and send him your watch and he will try and fit one of his bezels to your case. I recommend him highly !!

[Be sure to tell him you are an IHC185 Member and that we sent you to him!]

Don Barrett
115 S. Water St.
Kent, OH. 44240
330- 677-1479
330-677-1914
Open Tuesday thru Saturday
http://citybankantiques.com/

regards,
bb

Bruce I was ribbing Doug. Doug stops over every couple weeks. And he get his need list out to fix what ever watch he is working on.

We visit for about an hour or so. And then he is on his way. To get the next batch of watches back running.

He is turning out to be a pretty good watchmaker.

Like me self taught.

With a little help from my friends.

Here is a link to the Beatles


Doug even if the balance is bad. I might have a staff.

We might have to stick our hand in the honey hole and pull one out.

I can't tell you guys how much Gene has helped me. I don't want him to be swamped with requests - he won't have time for me anymore. Hopefully I can return the favors.

Anyway - Gene the balance seems OK, but we'll still need to dig into the honey hole for parts if I get this one. Hopefully I'll know in a couple of days.

Doug

Great case! Definitely worth the trouble to restore in my opinion.

Douglas-

I've got a Model 57 much like your watch serial # 67866. I would have it restored if I were you.

Buster, thanks for the info on Don Barrett. I'll give him a buzz later in the week.

If you don't want to restore it, I'll buy it and restore it.