I have a Waltham Car Clock and the serial number is 20851528, i did a online search on the Tom McIntyre's site and could not find the serial number. On the movement it says Waltham Watch Co. 7 jewels and then on the plate , dial side next to the balance wheel it says adj.I have 2 other movements Walthams and 7 jewels that do not say adj, I was wondering about this movement, they have not the same cases on two of these clocks?

Kevin,

Here is the one and only car clock I've restored. This one is a great runner and will hold within a minute for about nine days. Note the cork seal used under the bezel. Cork is not the easiest thing to trim.

The movement is 7J and has a 16s escapement.

Very nice car clock John, did you have to do a lot of work to get it into the condition it is now, and how hard are balance staffs to find for these?
Movement is very shiny, unlike mine with lots of scratches.

Kevin,

I believe the 16s 861 staffs should fit. I haven't changed one out yet but will let you know when I do. If you need one, provide me with the critcal dimensions of your old one and I will check for you.

Thanks John for the generous offer.I don,t have the Elgin yet, hopefully soon.I may have to change one or two Waltham car clock staffs.

What car companies used Elgin's in their automobiles, John? Regards. Mark

Mark,

Sorry, I don't know. With the extended winding arbor, all you really needed was a hole cut in the dash panel of just about any old car. This was probably more of a novelty in those days and an expensive option.

Next time someone is at an antique car show and see one of these, please take some pictures and share.

I don't know about Elgins, but I have a 1921 Waltham catalog that lists a lot of cars that used their automobile clocks.