A Waltham on The Workbench

WatchesWatch Repair
Written By Mark

A friend asked me to take a look at an old Waltham pocket watch that's been sitting in a drawer for years. It's not running, but it's in decent shape overall. I thought I'd document the restoration process here as I work through it.

The watch bears two crucial identifiers that tell its story:

Case Serial: 412659 Premier

Movement Serial: 7419925

Based on these numbers, this Premier grade watch represents Waltham's commitment to producing reliable, well-finished timepieces for the everyday wearer. The Premier line was positioned as a quality grade that offered good performance and attractive finishing at a reasonable price point.

The Waltham Watch Company, originally known as the American Waltham Watch Co., was a pioneering force in American horology from 1850 to 1957. This Massachusetts-based company revolutionized watchmaking by introducing the "American System of Watch Manufacturing"—a method of precision mass production that made quality timepieces accessible to the masses.

Movement number stamped just above the click.

Information on the movement

  • Manufacturer: Waltham

  • Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts

  • Movement Serial Number: 7419925

  • Grade: No. 20

  • Model: 1888

  • Estimated Production Date: January 1897 – August 1898

  • Run Quantity: 5,000

  • Grade/Model Run: 101 of 138

  • Grade/Model Total Production: 305,873

  • Size: 16s

  • Jewels: 7j

  • Movement Configuration: Hunting

  • Movement Finish: Gilt

  • Movement Setting: Pendant

  • Plate: 3/4 Plate

  • Hairspring: Breguet

  • Adjusted: No

  • Railroad Grade: No

  • Case: Various

  • Run ID: 15388.G101.16S768.161888M442.H4351.P1947.7J4356

The Plan

I'll be documenting each step of the restoration:

Initial assessment - photographing everything and figuring out what need’s attention

Disassembly - taking the movement apart piece by piece

Cleaning and inspection - cleaning all components and checking for wear or damage

Repairs - fixing or replacing anything that's broken or too worn

Reassembly - putting it all back together

Adjustment - getting it running and keeping proper time

The goal is to get this watch running again while respecting its age and history. I'm not trying to make it look brand new—just functional and presentable. These old American watches were built to last, so with some care and attention, this one should serve well for years to come.

I'll post updates as I work through each stage, sharing what I find and how I tackle any problems that come up.

Mark
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Pirates on Bahamian Stamps.