Mainspring Dilemma

[hank7421]

Could anyone suggest a site where I can look up the number of the mainspring for a Waltham S16 Model 1908? I have seen a few on ebay but there are several numbers to choose from. All say Waltham S16 but they have different numbers. I sure could use a little guidance on this dilemma…Hank

[randy]

Hank,
I would measure the spring you have first…as depending on the jewel count they can be different ( more power- less power, etc, ).
Then,…start looking for the dimensions that match…and myself, I try to stay away from blued springs if there’s a newer alloyed one available.

For cross reference of the catalog numbers..sometimes I just do a search for ” Waltham- model 1908 16 size mainspring” and quite often you will find a post from someone on the NWACC blog were there’s info that helps.
It doesn’t hurt to start picking up watch materials catalogs from Ebay that list common part numbers either..

And just to make it wackier…different companies used different stock numbers….. 😯 ..that’s why knowing the dimensions is so important.

BTW…what is the jewel count on yours…I think I just finished one of these up very recently…may still have the info you are looking for

Best

Randy

[randy]

Hank..I was right.
Here’s what I bought for a 1908 Mod.
WALTHAM P/W MAIN SPRING #2227 16s ” WHITE ALLOY ” (.18mm) MOD 1899 & 1908

This was the listing in my catalog for a 17J movement

Randy

[hank7421]

Thanks Randy, That’t good to know. The Wal. 16S that I have is a 7j model and the thickness of the mainspring measures out to be .20 so I guess I would need a different number. Hopefully the thickness will be noted on the packaging. I appreciate your fine answers. You were a big help and I learned something today. This Forum has proivided a wonderful learning experience for me. Especially guys like you and Steve. Awsome job guys…Hank

[randy]

Glad it helped Hank
Trust me brother..we are ALL still learning..that’s what’s fun about this craft. there’s always something to keep your interest !
Take care

Randy

[randy]

Hank.
I looked this up in my Marshall Handy Manual.
They show this MS for this model, for the 7-15J as:

Metric
width 2.8
Thickness ( strength ) .19
length 21-1/4

Dennison
width 19
Strength 4

They don’t show a .20 thickness…but that doesn’t mean that someone didn’t substitute one into the watch you have.

Factory number is still a 2227…so look for these dimensions buddy

Randy

[stevefitzwater]

Pretty sure you can pick up a Waltham Materials Catalogue in Googles Books free library, I could not find the link to it when I looked earlier. I have 3 Waltham Material Catalogues because the 1954 version does not include the obsolete models.

Generally, I verify the specifications of the Mainspring coming out of the watch and then compare them to what Walthams Material list has for them, you would be surprised the ones that do not match up.

[hank7421]

I think you guys are right. I saw a #2227 for sale on ebay marked Waltham 16s and the size marked on the package was .18mm. that’s close enough to the .20 I measured so I ordered it. It was only $9.00. I’m going to try to get that Waltham Material Catalogue. Thanks for your support guys…Hank

[stevefitzwater]

For future reference, if the spring is thicker, it means it has more stored power..

Also, like Randy said, get the alloy Mainspring, some of the blued steel ones you get off ebay are NOS (New Old Stock) and the mainspring is already partially set or rusty, both conditions should result with it going directly to the metal scrap box..

[Author]

Posts