Internet Horology Club 185
Odd Waltham Watch Case

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/749100011

June 19, 2009, 14:14
John "cranster" McElhenny
Odd Waltham Watch Case
Samuel posting under Johns name.....(gotta remember my own password soon)

OK is this a defective case or was there a special movement made by Waltham that needed this? The bezel and "hinged" back are on the wrong sides!!!!

Normally when you put the movement in the bottom or movement side is smaller than the top or dial side and has a lip to tighten the screws onto. This case is reversed. So the lip to tighten the movement "Case" screws onto is on the front bezel side?!?
Any one here got any ideas?


June 19, 2009, 15:51
Lindell V. Riddle

Hi Sam,

We re-sent your registration details. Smile Now to the case...

My first impression is someone may have improperly modified this case in a lathe, unlikely but that could help explain the odd appearance. Anyhow, somehow the case at one time functioned because there is wear on it!

Could it have actually been designed to "show-off" the movement and the user rarely checked the time?

Perhaps putting movement in the case Confused might help clear up the mystery.

Lindell

Wink
June 19, 2009, 16:10
John "cranster" McElhenny
(Sam again) I'll check for the account info later tonight.

I have a 12 size movement I just put on ebay I'll put into it and see how it looks. I'll post pictures in a few minutes.

Samuel
June 19, 2009, 16:19
John "cranster" McElhenny
well a 12 size movement doesn't quite fit....maybe a 14 size?


June 19, 2009, 19:09
David Abbe
The only thing I can think of is the Waltham "Opera" watch which has a 1.505" diameter body while BOTH the dial and the back trim ring are 1.520 O.D. So the watch is held central in the case from both sides when the smaller movement with dial assembled is inserted into the case and then the back ornate trim ring is screwed into place by attachment of the 3 ring mounting screws just outside of the small movement.

Check the I.D. of the case and see if it is 1.505"


June 20, 2009, 11:27
Samuel M. Blackmar
David I don't have a micrometer nearby with inches on it so I have to use millimeters and convert.
The inside diameter is 39mm and using online conversion tools 39 millimeter = 1.535 433 070 9 inch [international, U.S.].
June 20, 2009, 15:33
Lindell V. Riddle

Looks like David may have figured it out!

With all the gold cases being lost to scrapping these days, despite some obvious wear this otherwise ordinary looking gold-filled case should be identified and therefore saved. If this one is indeed what David suspects a worthwhile Waltham Opera Watch could once again be complete.

Wink
June 20, 2009, 20:59
David Abbe
Sam, I would like to try it on for size. E-mail e at david@glopar.com if you think we cna set something up.
June 21, 2009, 06:58
Brian C.
I believe this case is for a Marsh's patent. I'll see if I can post some scans of mine. It's a 25 year Wadsworth case.


June 21, 2009, 06:58
Brian C.
Number 2


June 21, 2009, 07:01
Brian C.
Note in picture 2, the watch isn't even signed.
#3


June 21, 2009, 07:12
Brian C.
My watch measures a 10s. Note the ring it has.


June 21, 2009, 10:36
Lindell V. Riddle

Say, this is really getting interesting!

Wink
June 22, 2009, 13:25
Samuel M. Blackmar
Very interesting! David we can set up something soon. Brian can you show some pictures of your case without the movement in it?

Samuel
June 23, 2009, 04:58
Brian C.
Samual,
Sorry I can't do that. The watch is in the bank.
Brian C.