Help identifying Watch

[541wiant]

Hello all, I'm new here and have been metal detecting for a few years. Up untill now I haven't found anything to "write home" about... until now. I found what I belive to be a gold watch (missing front cover and hands). It says "Waltham" on the dial. I only used a bit of water and a cotton swab to clean it up being careful not to damage it any more.

Any information on how to find more on this watch or what to do would be more than helpful!

Merry Christmas,
Ben

 

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[crashbandicoot]

Hello all, I'm new here and have been metal detecting for a few years. Up untill now I haven't found anything to "write home" about... until now. I found what I belive to be a gold watch (missing front cover and hands). It says "Waltham" on the dial. I only used a bit of water and a cotton swab to clean it up being careful not to damage it any more.

View attachment 1998578
View attachment 1998579
Any information on how to find more on this watch or what to do would be more than helpful!

Merry Christmas,
Ben

Welcome to Tnet.Be patient,there are some knowledgable watch guys here.You might try a search for antique Waltham watches,or Waltham watch ID to help pass the time.RedCoat is a guy here who is pretty good on this stuff too.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Antique Waltham Pocket Watches | Collectors Weekly

Shop for-and learn about-Antique Waltham Pocket Watches. Waltham Watch Company was the first watchmaker to mass-produce watch movements on an assembly line....

www.collectorsweekly.com

 

[Tony in SC]

Remove the back. There will be a serial no. And more info? Measure the diameter.

 

[541wiant]

Remove the back. There will be a serial no. And more info? Measure the diameter.

I thought about that but I don't want to destroy it any more? What are your thoughts? What if the hinge just snapped all for a rusted away serial number?

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

If it was dug the working are all rusted, but you should be able to find a mechanism with some internet searching, you could take it to watch repair shop to have them open it up for you and measure the interior to get a new mechanism. The case is probably the only salvageable part to the watch.But it is probably worth repairng if you can find the workings.

 

[vpnavy]

Welcome Aboard 541wiant! You didn't list your state (or country) in your profile. So, you might consider jumping over to Sub-Forum: Select Your Area.... and selecting location information (i.e., clubs, hunts, finds, legends, maps, etc.) directly related to your state (or country). You might also consider adding your state (or country) to your displayed profile (SETTINGS -> EDIT PROFILE) so if you ask a question, etc. - members may have more success helping you (your location may help etc.)...

2nd - I moved ya from TODAY'S FINDS! over to WHAT IS IT? for more exposure.

 

[ARC]

Remove the back. There will be a serial no. And more info? Measure the diameter.

... this is your path to enlightenment.

 

[CRUSADER]

Remove the back. There will be a serial no. And more info? Measure the diameter.

Agreed, & it will have hallmarks if solid gold.

 

[DizzyDigger]

541..Welcome to the site..

For what it's worth, I'd take the advice of the folks, above.
They be some smart people.

 

[Tony in SC]

There is no hinge, it just snaps. Just being an old watch does not make it valuable.

 

[541wiant]

Update: I managed to open the back and found "Saphire" and 23130634.
The watch is a Waltham 1912 Sapphire model and was made in 1919

Thanks for the help
Ben

 

[pepperj]

Well done on the recovery of a 103 yr old Waltham and getting the information on when it was made.

 

[ARC]

Update: I managed to open the back and found "Saphire" and 23130634.
The watch is a Waltham 1912 Sapphire model and was made in 1919

Thanks for the help
Ben

you are now... enlightened.