Many are familiar with the Illustrated Manual of American Watch Parts by E&J Swiggart published and reprinted from the 1952 version. Unfortunately many of the older models of watches are not present in this manual. Does anyone know where to find info on many of these older movements? (eg Waltham Model 1877)

Mike Miller

Many of the older Waltham parts (1857 model, 1877 model, 1872 model 16-size, etc.) are shown in an 1885 Waltham material catalog that has been reprinted. These show up every now and then on eBay. Of course, it will not show parts for 1888 model 16-size or later movements. A 1909 Waltham material catalog was also reprinted at one time, but these do not show up as often. With the 1909 and later catalogs the parts from the earliest watches were left out. There are a series of material catalogs that came out every 6 years or so, but if you can get the 1948 or 1958 catalog you will have most of this later material covered. Original copies of these show up fairly often. I have made a point of trying to get each printing and will be happy to answer parts questions.

For Elgin material you can reference the old Elgin material catalogs that Wayne Schlitt has reproduced on his Elgin web pages -
http://elginwatches.org/scans/tech_doc/m_index.html

For Duebers and Hampdens there is "Hampden Watch Company" by Hernick and Arnold. In addition to excellent info and photos there is a very good but incomplete serial list and a section on Hampden materials with factory numbers.

For Crown, Howard, and New York Standard "The Keystone Watch Case Co. Material Catalog" (January 1, 1919) reprint has diagrams and part numbers.

Kenny