Welcome Ken!If you look around the edge of the case back on your Waltham, if it is a snap case, you should see a small slot, usually on the right hand side up near the bow.You can use a case opener if you have one, or a small knife blade, and carefully pry it off.There's no way to identify it without opening the case, but it looks like a 10 or 12-size from the 30-40's.Hope this helps....Ted.

Ok - I managed to locate a blade that was perfect (slightly curved, dull enough to not slice my fingers if it slipped...). No slot, but (as I already knew) a wide spot on the rim of the back. A little force, and pop!

So, from the innards, I have learned:
Colonial
Waltham, USA.
Model 1924
Year of production : about 1935 (based on serial number)
17 Jewels
Adjusted for Temperature
NOT Railroad grade (no reason to think that it was!)

So - any opinions on where this fits in Waltham history? Here's a picture:

Hello Everyone I'm Back.. For 44 years working on the Railroad I carried a waltham up - dn 23 jewel movement or my trusty hamilton 950B. But I retired This March so I try not to think about time or what day it is for now. I still have my Omega Mk4 stainless. Since it is still working perfectly I wear it out. Cant beat an Omega still keeping time since 1970 when I bought it.

Well...I've been assimilated. Since my last post in this thread, my collection has grown from the post-production 992B given to me as a graduation gift in 1970 AND my grandfather's Waltham (look two posts up) to...about 45 beauties ranging from an 1879 Elgin to the 992B (I'm unlikely to find one I want to collect that is NEWER than that one!) Most are
RR grade, or precursors.

My answer to the original question in this thread has changed. My goal is to put every one of my acquisitions into service (with proper care, of course). So...after having worn 1 pocketwatch for about 5 years and then another for about 45 years, I now rotate weekly. This week, I'm visiting Illinois, so I'm wearing a nice looking 1900 Rockford 545 (16s, 21j). Perhaps the 1879 Illinois model 1 (key wind and set, 18s, 11j) would have been a better choice, but it's still in the shop. Champaign (where I am right now) is a bit far from Rockford, but that's as close as I could get.

Random query - is it possible to repair keys? The 1879 Illinois came with a distinctive key that has been rounded off to the point where I'm uncomfortable using it to wind or set. Can it be saved (either by reforming or replacing the business end)? At first glance, it appears to be a standard key set into a fancy holder. I sent it in to my repair guy with the watch, and I'm waiting to hear his verdict. What say you?

Here are iPhone pictures of the Rockford, taken minutes ago...first the front

and the back:

Nice Rockford, Ken! That key should be repairable,you may be able to shorten it enough to make it good again if the square hole is deep enough.

This week I'm running my "new" Elgin, an 18s 17J Overland, one I've hunted a long time for.Rob Carter did a great job getting it cleaned up and running!These Overland's are a sharp looking movement.

and not many made for sure.

My watches rotate into my pocket weekly. Here's this week's carry: (5 posts - 1 view each, starting with...the Front:

Bezel off:

Back:

Inside of back:

movement

Here's what's in my pocket, this week: an 1896 Illinois Bunn Special. Many pictures, starting with this overview:

front

back

Bezel off

Bunn Special Movement number: 1335010

inside back

inside dust cover

This last 2 weeks, using my new 16s 17 jewel Illinois Bunn.Keeping about perfect time!I really like these 17-19J railroads!

Being a certified Hampden collector, I've been wanting a nice 16s Hampden RR watch for a daily carrier.I just got a beautiful 21J 5th model No. 105 movement from member Barry Hanstein, cased it in a base metal Emperor case,and now using it for work.Keeps railroad time.Already had a 105, but being in a gold filled case,I didn't want to use it too much.These 105's are Hampden's "992"! Great watches.

My carry for the next week. 1904 Ball Elgin.

First the front - movement in the next post.

and, the movement:

Looks like this post has been around for some time but as a new member thought I would put up a current post; I prefer the 12 Size since they easily fit into the watch pocket on Wrangler and Levis jeans as well as some Khaki Chinos that still have watch pockets. This just makes the 12 size very practical for daily wear if you are not wearing a vest.

With practice, an 18s works in the watch pocket of Levis 501 jeans:

a not-so-successful iPhone shot of the movement:

True. I also carry several different 18s watches in rotation with my 16s.

Regards! Mark

of course, 16sz also works:

movement:

New to me arrival from Mark Clark sale on IHC185.

992 #1344391

Very pleased,I did not carve HAM on back.