Just got this 18 size Waterbury yesterday and boy was I surprised at the condition. Nice dial and super clean running movement that after 24hrs has only lost 1 minute. The seller stated that it had been cleaned, oiled etc. But I still like to pull a watch apart and redo it all. Very simple 58 parts movement to work on.
I guess it's from about 1890 and not sure as to if this movement is considered Americus 3/4 plate Duplex or is it a full plate?

Thank you, Roland.

Nice porchelain dial and blued hands

Front of movement with press fitted dial removed.

Back off movement with rear plate

Rear plate removed to show movement.

Here's the Duplex Escape Wheel and stamped balance.

Smooth case back with some pocket wear after 110yrs.

And lastly the thick mineral glass crystal. I just can't stay away from these early dollar watches. This will sit proudly next to my New Haven Backwind from the same period.

At first I was collecting the post WWI dollar watches, but since about Novemeber I've sold most of those off and have gotten into the pre 1900 examples, and this is my first Waterbury I could find that was clean, original and running, as most are not.

Thank you, Roland.

HI Roland,
Good to know I'm not the only one to collect and appreciate Waterburys. I just almost finish restoring this one.
As you see it is called "Model J" even having quite a different configuration. The balance wheel is detached making it easier to work on it and avoiding damaged hairsprings. This could be the reason they changed the design, althought these watches were never really designed to be repairable, since the cost of the repair would probably buy a new one.
And speaking of timekeeping, I was amazed by the accuracy of some of my Waterburys. When sitting in the same position they can be adjusted to loudly tick away at almost railway standards.
Enjoy your new watch!
Peter

Hi Peter, thanks for the kind words on Waterbury's. I'm surprised at the time keeping. Your's is also a Series J but is a 3/4 plate I think with a detached lever balance, very nice. What does your dial look like?

Roland.

HI Roland, I definitely have a soft spot for Waterburys. From the first time I saw that duplex escapement working I was mesmerized by it.

I have 11 of them, from size 0 to 18 and most of them I had to resuscitate back to life. I could tell you quite a few stories about repaired escapement wheels teeth , splicing staff pivots (has anybody ever ristaffed a Waterbury?)and untangling of hairsprings.

I bought one like yours in pieces in a plastic bag...The seller told me the watch EXPLODED in his face when he tried to disassemble it to see why it wasn't working. You can imagine the condition of the hairspring!

I have also a series C long wind (150 twists, I counted them) and now I'm looking for the skeletonized version to somehow complete the collection
Here is the dial, it is not paper and in very good shape but not signed, contrary to most of the others I have.

Take care

Peter