Hi All

I just acquired a list of serial numbers for the Webb C. Ball watches. I was going through some of my Ball watches and discovered one that I can not find on the list. This is a Waltham 19j serial number B217592. The list shows B216,201-B218,600 but does not show a 19j Waltham being in that serial number range? Can anyone help explain?

Regards
Keith

As Lin explained, your watch comes from a 1904 "mixed run" of 1800 watches with serial numbers B216201 - B218000. Roy Ehrhardt's list (American Pocket Watches, 1993) specifically shows 17-jewel and 21-jewel models as part of that mixed run, but any open-face ORRS watch in production at the time could have been included.

19-jewel Ball-Wathams had been in production since 1899, so its entirely reasonable to conclude some 19-jewel models were also included in that mixed run (since you have one of them), but just were not annotated in on the list.

Lin & Ed

Thanks for the information. I understand now how the list is presented.

Regards
Keith

How's this for resurrecting a necropost? 11 years later......

I own a 19j Ball-Waltham 19j I got off the 185 auction that I just LOVE and carry a lot, serial number B217426, that I've found on other listings as being made in 1910. I believe even Ken, who I got it from, thought it was from 1910 in HIS research. (fuzzy memory)

Based on what I just read here, this number falls in that mix run from 1904 which is according to Roy Ehrhardt's list.

Am I deciphering this correctly? Is my ORRS a bit older than I originally thought?

Regards! Mark

Mark, I believe you are deciphering that correctly.
As to whether the information is correct.
I don't know

Roger

Lol! Yep, I’m in the same boat.

Makes sense being a Waltham Model 1899 movement, but assumptions are dangerous.

Thanks for replying, Roger! Most days I feel alone when I'm in here.

Regards! Mark

Mark,

does your watch have a cap jewel on the escape wheel?? I think that is how the 17 jeweled watches were up-jeweled.

quote:

Mark,

does your watch have a cap jewel on the escape wheel?? I think that is how the 17 jeweled watches were up-jeweled.

Good evening, (here in the UK).
I have a Ball Waltham serial number B214798. I was told it's year of manufacture was 1905.
This one says 19 JEWEL on the movement but does not have a cap jewel on the escapement.

Regards ..... Gary.

Gary,

I think the movements originally manufactured as 19 jewel had a jeweled mainspring barrel. The 17 jewel movements has an unjeweled barrel so a cap jewel was used to bring up the jewel count.

best
Kevin

Hi Kevin! Sorry, I just saw your question when this popped BACK up (hard to keep a good post down, I suppose. )

I'll have to look-see on mine. I honestly don't know.

Thanks for asking and pointing me in a direction to explore, as I'm retiring next week an will have more time to look more closely at things like this in the near future!

Regards! Mark

Enjoy your retirement, Mark!

Thanks Tom!

Because of Covid numbers a retirement party planned for me got canceled. Talk about ending a 48 year career with a whimper. Nothing planned in the future either.

Guess I have to buy my own gold watch and inscribe it from me TO me in recognition of years of service.

Ah well…..

Regards! Mark

Sorry about the party Mark!
But when you get that new gold watch for yourself post some pictures.

Lol! Actually I think I’m going to get a movement demagnetizer instead! I need it more!

Regards! Mark

Congratulations on your retirement Mark. Hope you have many years to play watches!!, John

Thank you!

Congats Mark!

Congrats Mark on your retirement......I have been retired 22 years now....I have never woke up in the morning and said to myself..I sure wish I was back in the plant...LOL...

Appreciate it!

quote:

Gary,

I think the movements originally manufactured as 19 jewel had a jeweled mainspring barrel. The 17 jewel movements has an unjeweled barrel so a cap jewel was used to bring up the jewel count.

Many thanks Kevin that makes perfect sense, sorry for the long delay.
And Mark, enjoy your retirement.
Regards ..... Gary.

Thanks Gary!