Waltham Grade Wm. Ellery, 11 jewels from 1883
This key wind and key set Waltham Model 1877 is a grade “Wm. Ellery” (named for one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), 18 size with 11 jewels, with the serial number 2023855 dating production to April 1883.
The Wm. Ellery grade was highly successful for Waltham, being introduced as the Model 1857, and was revolutionary being machine made with interchangeable parts. One was presented to Abraham Lincoln.
The Model 1877 was a substantial upgrade over the 1857 with many more reliable parts, eliminating the frustrating undersprung hairspring. In most other respects, it differed little in function and appearance from the earlier model.
This particular watch is running extremely well after a thorough cleaning, and keeping good time within a couple minutes per day. All eleven jewels are intact. Both pivots of the escape wheel and fourth wheel are jeweled top and bottom, unlike some 11 jewel movements that have a jeweled bearing for the top plate only and merely to give the appearance of a higher quality movement. The movement has a blue spring steel mainspring that provides sufficient power and gives exceptional balance amplitude (about 290 degrees) for a Victorian vintage watch. A
The watch keeps time with the regulator moved far over in the Slow position. I suspect somebody either switched hair springs or shortened the original, which now requires the regulator to be moved over to the Slow side. It’s not an issue and I made sure the watch is in beat from this position of the regulator. Normally the regulator should be in the middle, but to achieve that aesthetic would require replacing the hairspring with a longer length or adding weight to the balance, and many expensive hours of work, that would probably end up costing more than the entire watch.
Dueber Silverine (nickel alloy) case is in good condition and everything closes and stays shut as it should. Hinges are good and crisp. The case has a few minor scratches and little dings as expected after 140 years, but still remains a very strong case sample. Really is a nice case, and the brand new, perfectly clear extra thick crystal just makes it look very sharp.
The original style pinned dial is really nice and almost perfect except for a very faint hairline between the 3 and 4 o’clock. It might not show up in the pictures, since it’s that faint, but it’s there.
Overall, it’s a nice watch in a good case, running well and happily after a cleaning and fresh lubrication.
$240
Key will be included.
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Free pick up at the shop in Gettysburg PA, or add $15 for insured shipping within the U.S. (international is more, please contact me first).
