WORLDWIDE Chapter 149 Message Board

Jon · Chapter President

Will an Waltham 1860 fit into an 1872 case?
"Hello All,

Will a Waltham 16 size 1860 fit into a case for an Waltham 16 size 1872?"

From a member on the green board who asked,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

This is ridiculous, impractical, and a waste of time and money. Why not buy a correct watch?

1. These 2 grades, 1860 KW and 1872 SW are different sizes

2. These are different models of different time frames

3. One '60 KW is KEY WIND and the '72 is STEM WIND

4. Changes would be absurd as the winding not only is different, but there are too many things to change and some changes might not work, i.e. changing the SW pedant to a KW type, filling the set lever cut out and the stem set screw, drilling a locating pin (and not making a mistake), thicknesses of the movements, the potential of reflector ring differences, drilling winding holes without error, case screw issues and on and on. It is almost like placing a VW engine in a Corvette trunk.

5. THEN THERE IS THE COST (after the workmanship) of a gold case. And, remember, screwing up a gold 1000--1500. case (on the low end) would be crazy. Plus, IT WOULD LOOK IDIOTIC!

6. WHO SAYS either of these cases are hard to find? They are to be had if one knows where to look.

7. 1860 model cases in silver are not that expensive--so why switch a cased watch for the sake of casing your movement?

THE SOLUTION: place your 1860 movement into a glass back case for 100-200. Carry/wear it with joy and buy one already to go--email me.

interstatetime · Chapter Officer

I agree that this is an absurd question. Absurd questions are not really bad questions if simply asked by a newbie who wants to learn but this guy seems to have had it all figured out from the beginning and really doesn't want to listen.

Jon · Chapter President

It is mind-blowing just how many folks have developed a SWITCHING mentality!

Ben_hutcherson · Chapter Member

As I said in that thread, if you want complete watches in these models, buy complete watches.

I've bought inexpensive examples of both, and not all that long ago either.

Heck, my vibrator in an R&A case was less expensive than a typical '72 gold case...

BTW, Richard Warner has a few glassbacks that he made up for '60s, '62s, and N size Howards. They're aluminum(I think) with a snap back and bezel. The pendant is hollowed out and has a teflon "sleeve" in it to retain a stem and crown that can be used as a winding key.

Jon · Chapter President

It is easier and less expensive to alter a Glass Back case to fit a 60 KW, a 72 SW or 88, Howards, etc.

doc ron · Chapter Member

why on earth would anyone think of such a thing totally out from left field to make a buck but where is any savings sell the movement and buy a complete watch saves time and money foolishly spent

don ron

434richmond · Chapter Member

Jon hit the nail on the head, a GB is easy to alter for this. Keith

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Prob too cheap to buy a complete watch - thinks he can get a case for less than the cost of a complete watch minus his cost on the movt.