Mainspring Ordering by Model or Serial Number Only…

[maitai11]

Hi Guys,

Over at O. Frei, I was able to order some Hamilton and Waltham mainsprings by knowing the model number only (Thanks, Randy.) However, I’m having trouble with Illinois and Elgin. I’ve got:
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A Cowell and Hubbard (Illinois) #2657842, 12s, model3, 11 jewel, grade 401.

An Elgin #19346428, 16s, model 7,17 jewel, grade 387.
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Kind of a side note goes to this business of working on several watches at once (remember?) As I’m sure you all know, if I could order these springs ahead of time, I wouldn’t have so much down time between disassembly and ordering. I have my current watch (The Hamilton 917, which I now know I could’ve ordered prior to starting on it…Again, thank you Randy ) all cleaned, and I’m chomping at the bit to oil and reassemble!!!

Otherwise, maybe someone on the forum here has some magic Bible that has this information?

So, guys, what’s the remedy? Do I JUST do enough to get the mainspring out, or just wait and bite the bullet? I have five Hamilton/Waltham springs that I can order today, so this won’t happen again for some time

Thanks fellas!

Tim

[bernie weishapl]

Tim I have found Illinois and Elgin Mainspings here. http://www.casker.com/horological-parts-tools.htm

I always get the mainsprings and balance staffs if needed ordered and in before I get to them. If something crops up during the tear down oh well I will deal with it then.

[randy]

Over time ( no joke intended )…you’ll find that you want to start amassing a few technical manuals for different brands, that have the original parts listings.
I’ve found them to be invaluable when cross referencing old numbers to newer stock numbers for the same application.
For example…in my Marshall book, it shows a 2205 mainspring for an 18s Waltham-1883 model. A “modern” version of that I believe is the JA-705.
Sometimes you need one number to get you the the supplier that has the optional part number listing.

it’s all about cataloging good supply houses as well…like Bernie pointed you to ( Casker )

Take care

[bernie weishapl]

I agree with Randy. When I quit doing watches 10 yrs or so ago I sold most of my watch stuff not realizing that things could get better (my eyes). Well I decided at least to continue working on my pocket watches I had collected and if a customer brought one in then I would fix it. So started laying in tools but like Randy I knew that I needed manuals. I got a Elgin manual, waltham manual, Swigart, Marshall book, etc. They are just invaluable when working on these old watches when looking for parts. Anyway good info Randy.

[maitai11]

Thanks Fellas,

I appreciate all the good support and suggestions. I’ll be doing some digging – and Bernie – thanks for that link.

Best,

Tim

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