Hi All, My question concerns the remains of an 18 size watch i picked up today. It is a full plate, key wind and set, 7 jewel, hunter model marked in script-IOWA, serial #163994. Lots of parts missing and/ or broken. Is it worth trying to restore?
Posts: 1012 | Location: Western Pennsylvania in the USA | Registered: February 17, 2007
Gary, Without any pictures, I can only Guess this is an Illinois "Iowa Watch Co." which is quite valuable if you can restore it. The movement would have to be exactly as pictured . . .
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
From what I can find out it was made in 1881 part of a run of 1000,(numerous runs) its a model 1, gilt finish plates, 7J S18. Should have a single sunk seconds Roman numeral dial. Parts should be easy enough to get.
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
I took a couple of photos, but am unsure how to attach them to the posting, so here is a description. This movement is basically the plates and dial, no balance cock, but have balance wheel and hairspring-staff broken, spring rough, no escape wheel, pivots broken on escape lever,2nd and third wheels. Mainspring barrel and arbor present, also hour and minute hands. Haven't removed dial yet, cannon pinion is there, hopefully dial train too, the dial is in surprisingly good condition. I got this sad watch for free, in pieces, as described. Thoughts?
Posts: 1012 | Location: Western Pennsylvania in the USA | Registered: February 17, 2007
The missing Balance cock is not good, but if the serial numbers match for the balance wheel, and main plates, that could justify a restoration. Many of the train parts can be replaced from other movements. Also check the motor barrel for numbers, although I suspect they are correct too if there are any.
