Expert: Melvin Mills - 1/25/2011

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Mills,
I was given a pocket watch that belonged to my grandfather. I am curious to know if the location & date of manufacture can be determined from the serial number? On the face is "WALTHAM". Inside the cover is: C.W.C.CO, a symbol of a crescent & star with the words "TRADE MARK". Underneath are 507121 with X07 under that. The watch seems to work, although it runs fast, the small second hand works as well.

ANSWER: Ron,

Yes, we will be able to tell when the watch was made using the serial number on the movement.

The back should screw off, like the lid of a jar.

Tell me everything that is written on the movement and I will tell you when
it was made.

Kind regards,

Melvin
millswatchrepair.com

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

QUESTION: Dear Melvin, thank you for your assistance. The back of the watch opens with a two clam shell type hinges. Inside the second (interior) cover is: WARRANTED CRESCENT 25 YEARS 507121. Written on the movement is: 17 Jewels Adjusted, 5 Positions, Appleton Tracy & Co,  WALTHAM MASS, 18136794

Thanks again.

Answer
Based on the serial number, this watch was made in 1911 by the Waltham Watch Co. in Massachusetts.

WARRANTED CRESCENT 25 YEARS indicates that the watch was gold filled and
the gold was guaranteed not to wear through to  the base metal for
25 years.

If I haven't mentioned it yet, write down a history of each owner and keep it
with the watch.  It will add to the sentimental value when you pass it down
to the next generation.

Kind regards,

Melvin
millswatchrepair.com