Worth Restoring???

[hank7421]

I originally acquired a Waltham 1883/1902 Open Face 11J Grade Sterling stem set movement in a silverode case just for the pallet fork. I knew there were a lot of parts missing or need replacing. Here is the list: Plastic crystal, stem, crown and sleeve, minute hand, dial and balance wheel roller jewel or complete balance wheel. After taking it apart I noticed that all the cap jewels were also missing except the two for the balance wheel. See the pictures. You will have to magnify them to see in the jewel holes. What do you think is going on in those holes? Also, do you think this watch can be restored at a reasonable cost? Or should I just keep it for parts?

• This topic was modified 3 years ago by Tamas Richard.

[bernie weishapl]

IMHO that would be a parts watch for me. If you have the time you could give it a try and see if parts can be obtained. Most times I find I have to buy another watch to get the parts I need so it goes in my parts box.

[hank7421]

Thanks Bernie, I’m inclined to agree with you. For future reference, were you able to zoom in on the cap jewel holes?
Hank

[bernie weishapl]

I could get the pictures to do anything. I clicked on them and nothing. So the size they are is what I can see and can’t really see the cap jewel.

[hank7421]

Yes, I was afraid that would happen. I am able to zoom in on a picture in the camera but once I connect the camera to the computer I can no longer zoom in on a picture. I have to figure out how to put a zoomed in picture on my computer or download a program that will allow me to edit my pictures on the computer so I can then attach a zoomed in picture to my post. Any suggestions?
Hank

[hank7421]

I’m trying something different. I took the picture with my ipad and cropped it first than sent it to my email where I then put it on my desktop. From there I was able to upload the attachment. Does this look like the cap jewels have been removed? It doesn’t look like it to me, but then again, I’m not exactly an expert. The serial number 11678350 suggests it is an 11j movement but the only jewels I found were the ones to the balance wheel. Anybody know what’s going on here?
Hank

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by Tamas Richard.

[mrroundel]

I looked up the number in my Waltham serial number book. It shows an 83 model “Sterling” grade, that could have 7-11 jewels. This movement appears to have 7 jewels. So it would only have jewels at upper and lower balance, a roller-jewel, and pallet-jewels. I think it would be a good candidate for a practice watch, like replacing the roller jewel perhaps, or a restaffing? That sort of thing. Not a lot of chance for any type of return on $ investment. Good luck.

[hank7421]

Thanks Mr. Roundel. That’s the same conclusion I was starting to come to. After cleaning and polishing, the case lens and dial are in really good shape. I think I will practice putting it back together and keep it around as a display. I may even be able to use the case on a similar movement that calls for this case if I can find one in better condition with perhaps 15 jewels.
Hank

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