Expert: Melvin Mills - 10/9/2009

Question
Hello!  I have a lovely little pocket watch that I inherited from my grandparents that I can't seem to find any information on.  The case is a Wadsworth Pilot (with the little helm insignia) and the serial number is 1910973.  The case is a rather coppery/golden color with a ring of blue and is only about an inch and a half or so in diameter with the inner section by the gears saying Warranted Wadsworth 25 years.  The face says Waltham, and on the gear section inside (which is so pretty) it says A.W.W.CO. Waltham Mass (which I happen to live fairly near) and the numbers 16900619.  I have no idea when the watch was made, a rough idea of value, if it will be expensive to repair, (When I wind it, it does nothing) etc.  Any information at all would be appreciated.  Thank you so much for your time!

Answer
Lara,

This watch was made in 1914, based on the serial number.

Any time you see a number of years stated, you know it is gold filled.  It is warranted not
to wear through to the base metal for the stated number of years, 25 in your case (no pun intended).

It will be impossible to determine the cost of repairs without first determining what is wrong with it.  If it needs a cleaning, oiling, and adjustment for accuracy, you are looking at 150-250 dollars, depending on where you bring it.  If it needs parts, it could get expensive.  

Bring it to a local watchmaker for an evaluation.  Then you will have a better idea of what you are in for.

Value.  Since it is not working and we don't know what is wrong, it would be impossible to tell.  Currently, you have a beautiful paperweight.  I don't mean that in a mean way.  I am trying to tell you that no one is willing to pay a significant amount with so many question marks (such as repair costs, quality of the case and movement).  

To get this answer, you can ask the watchmaker.  He will look at the condition of the watch and tell you what it will be worth after it is brought back to working order.

Kind regards,

Melvin