Expert: Michael Radi - 10/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Radi - I possess a Waltham electric clock made in the 1930's.  The movement is stamped Waltham Watch Company - USA.  MODEL 155.   The problem with the clock is the coils.  A previous owner tore out the wires from the coil assembly.  There are two coils on the armature assembly - both are 2 watt.  The size of each coil is 1 1/8" tall, 1 5/8" wide, and 11/16" thick.  The hole in the center of each coil is 5/16" deep (to accomodate the steel structure)  In the unlikely event that I would be able to find an assembly or genuine Waltham Coils - what is the liklihood of Telechron coils fitting same? (Since Waltham and Telechron were so close in proximity and Telechron was in the 1930's the largest electric clock works in the world - it only seems logical (at least to me) that Waltham would do business with Telechron. Any advise which you would care to provide would be greatly appreciated. This is a fine and beautifully executed clock with gold plated numerals, a small second bit over the handshaft and finely cut steel hands and superior clock workmanship all wrapped up in a flame-mahoganey case with 4 mini-steeples.  Thank you sincerely for your greatly appreciated effort.   Sincerely - Bill McCormick

ANSWER: Hi Bill, Are you talking about a coil that drives a rotor? If so, are there any markings on the rotor?

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

QUESTION: Hello again.  The rotor is not an encapsulated type such as a Telechron - It is a free spinning armature. (No numbers - no!)  If you go to e-bay and select item # 350266492071 up will come the listing!  there are several good pictures of this actual clock movement. Thanks again - Bill

Answer
Thanks for referring me to that ebay item. The photos were great. I don't know where you will be able to find any of these parts. Of course none of them are made anymore. If you want to try a Thelechron coil you can probably find an old one on ebay but I don't know if it will work.
Michael