Expert: Melvin Mills - 9/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a Vintage 1950 Waltham Full-Hunter Pocket Watch comes with provenance - with its original guarantee (No: 38) and its original box– provided by Hugh Bateman, Jewellers, St. Helens in the United Kingdom.

It has been stored in a suede poach and in its box from new for maximum protection. It has also only been partially wound on three occasions which simply means it remains “as good as new”.

Number on the case: BB and 9-375
Also number: 1188

It is fair to say that the movement has never been opened – and still remain sealed – as the day it was received.

This Waltham time piece (quoted as being number 26-3 on the guarantee) was issued on the 2nd of December 1950 to a miner on retirement in recognition of length of service at the Miner’s Hostel in Haydock near St. Helens.

The simple question is - as I've never opened the back can you tell me anything about this watch - is it gold plated - does it have jewelled movement - and is it of any value?

OR do I need to open the back to find out more?


ANSWER: Will,

As you have alluded to, there is not much I can tell you about the movement without actually looking at it.

It sounds like you're one of the few people that actually does have a truly mint condition watch. I can't express to you how rare that actually is.  To be truly mint, it has to have the box to watch originally came in, which yours does.

That being said, although I cannot give you an exact value, I can tell you because of the condition it is worth a great deal of money versus the same watch that is only in average condition(2 to 3 times more).

The number of jewels in the movement will determine the quality of the movement. We won't know that without looking at the movement. If the watch were 14 karat gold, it would be stated on the case. Only 5% of the watches were ever made of solid gold so it is much more likely that it is gold filled. Still, mint condition makes this watch a rarity. That is what makes it so valuable.

Will, how did you come about this watch? Is it a family heirloom? Is there any other information you can give me about this watch?

Sounds like a wonderful timepiece. I hope you enjoy it.

Kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much Melvin - and yes it is a familiy heirloom. My Uncle came over to the UK as a refuge when the second world war started. He then worked as aminer for many years so it really does have an interesting history.

Not sure if I can send you any pics - how would I do that?

Also, how would I open the movement without damaging the watch - would like to get more info but a little conserned in opeing the back?

Finally, I do need to seel this for personal reasons - what would be the best way - besides ebay?

ANSWER: Will,

To send a picture, email it to millswatchrepair@gmail.com  

Next, if you want to get it open by yourself, use a single edged razor blade and GENTLY slide it in the gap between the case and the back.  GENTLY pry and slide it around the circumference until it opens.  It shouldn't take much effort.  Just go slow and be gentle.  and in case I didn't say it enough, be gentle.

If you don't feel comfortable with that, take it to a local watchmaker and he can open it in about a minute or two.  

The best way to sell is ebay.  You get a worldwide market.  

If that is not to your liking, you have several other options.  I must confess that I don't know much about how this works in the UK so I hope this information will transfer to your market well.

First, you need to determine what you have.  Once you open the back, you will know that.

Next, you can go to an antique store and ask them if they handle watches or if they know anyone who does.  That last part is important because many antique dealers don't work in the watch market but they are very aware of the players in that game.  They will be able to direct you to the right people.

Next, search for a local watch club or group.  They are all over the world.  You may not know that you have one close because you never looked before.  You might be pleasantly surprised to find a large group of people fighting over your watch.  

I don't know if you have heard that in the US we are having a recession due to the real estate market.  I know that is having a ripple effect around the world.  If you can at all hold off on selling the watch until the economy picks up, you might make out a little better.  The good news is that there is almost always a market for the good watches, which yours certainly is.

Consider writing down the entire history of the watch and your Uncle.  It will add to the desirability of the watch.  

Kind regards,

Melvin



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Melvin
I sent this information to you via the email address you kindly provided - but just in case this didn't get through:

I have opened the case as you had described without damage!

The details:

Numbers on the inside of the case opposite the face: BB and 9-375 and 1188

Markings on the inside of the rear door: at 12.00: BB; at 15.00: W; at 18.00: 375 (below: 1188); at 21.00: Shield with 3 heads.
Serial number: 14755820
15 Jewels

Interestingly enough the Jeweller’s have also engraved their watch number and details very faintly below the 375 which says: 26-3 SH -1-

I take this to be 26-3 as per the watch number as inscribed on the guarantee form – SH for St Helens and -1- to mean the first one sold by them or the reference of the sales person but could be wrong on the last point?

I hope this will be enough for you to gauge its history and value a little better. Still unsure of the gold content for instance.

I've also done some further research but I could be wrong - would it be model 1897 and manufactured in 1906?

Will

Answer
Will,

I knew you could do it.  There is nothing to it and after the first time, you are now an expert.  

It most likely is not solid gold.  Only 5% of watches are solid gold and they would be marked as such.  As I said previously, the value comes from the condition in your case. No pun intended.  

I have only one challenge: I don't know much about the UK market for watches.  I can tell you a range of value but there are two caveats.  The first is that because of the current financial conditions around the world, the book values might be overstated for now.  If you can hold on to the watch until the world economies improve, you might do better.  Second, the prices that I am telling you are in America, not the UK.  You will still need to check your markets.

First, find some antique dealers and ask them what they would sell such a watch for.  Don't tell them you have one though.  They will low ball the price.  Tell them you are looking into such a watch.  

Where in the UK do you live?  I might know someone close by (closer than I) that can also give you some help.

How soon do you need to sell?

Kind regards,

Melvin