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I've got a very nice 15-jewel, Waltham wristwatch movement head, size 0, grade 155, from the year 1900. It's cased but is without winding stem and crown. I'd hoped to be able to get a stem and crown, either as parts or from another "spares or repair" piece. Unfortuntely, I discovered recently that Waltham didn't, in fact, make their own stems and crowns for this movement - they relied on them being an integral part of the case. So - unless I can find a similar head or case with stem and crown, I'm stymied, and to find one from the same era and size is going to be long haul job. Any advice as to progress - or should I just sell it on?

I have posted a video detailing how I clean watch movements after I have stripped them to pieces.I use the cleaning solutions manufactured by Quadralene and L&R The cleaning machine I am using is an Elma SuperElite which is a manually operated machine. This gives me full control over the cleaning cycle, but the disadvantage is that it is not ultrasonic. However, with the cleaning solutions I use this is rarely a problem as great results are achieved. I also have an L&R varimatic which is fully automatic and has an ultrasonic addon. However, I still prefer my trusty Elma.

That's the bugger Ian and arrived this morning and I am well chuffed to be honest....yep identical. It's a really clean piece too...so it is happy days! ;)

Craig, Going through the Omega vintage site I think I may have found your watch (sans dial emblem) what do you think http://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-omegas/vintage-watches-database?ref=15133 Also found this expired eBay listing with some info http://www.ebay.ca/itm/RARE-OMEGA-SEAMASTER-TURKISH-RAILROAD-1020-AUTOMATIC-MENS-WRISTWATCH-/251061759224 And here is a wrist shot of one..

I would love to own a Roger Smith watch as well! But, unless I win the lottery, I don't see it in my near future, :) .

These two parts are made years apart... The movement is designed for a pocket watch case, hunter style. The case is much later, 25-35 plus years and was designed for a purpose built wristwatch movement that has the winding stem integrated into the movement, just like today's watches. I can see no real practical or cheap way to make this marriage happen. I would punt, IMHO. Your only other option is to find a 0s American case and install the movement into it. At least you'll have a complete pocket watch, but not a wristwatch. Sorry.

Ach - alvays you are demanding pictures, pictures... (wipes brow). OK, here ya go:

Don't know about finding an original Will especially not this side of the pond....not for a circa1900 piece now that is vintage. The only time you don't bloomin post a pic....lol.....Would like to see that Will. ;)

Well thanks Ian and Will hope it's ok and not a dog....but great information (Ian) and advice (Will) as normal. Will post all the pieces I have accumulated thus far pretty soon.

Ricoh did indeed go into the watch market. It must have seemed a good idea at the time as Hamilton was one of the pioneers of the electronic watch, and to hook up with an electronics firm might have been good policy. Unfortunately, the era of the electronic/electric watch - as opposed sandwiched between mechanical and quartz - was very short-lived. But the watches are quite sought after today. You've probably got a good find. Incidentally, Craig, the guy who wrote that page on Rich in your link is quite an expert on electric and electronic watches - and might be able to advise and help if it needs a fettle.

This is the first I have heard of Ricoh making watches! I always thought of them as a camera and printer company. Looking at the images you linked to though the dial screams 1960's Japanese. I love that dial, it is just everything right about balance, simplicity and integrity of design. Gorgeous looking watch with a fascinating history to uncover which is a huge part of the vintage route I think that makes it so appealing. Congratulations! I just searched but could not find if it is OK to post a link to another forum. I will take a chance that it is and post this link as I think it will be of some help, if it is not OK then apologies in advance and feel free to take the link down. This is a thread about Richo branded watches, fascinating stuff. http://seikoholics.yuku.com/sreply/389#.UwMA6Xkgq44

Oh YES! I follow Roger Smith as well! To me, George Daniels and now Roger Smith is the pinnacle of True Watchmaking! I used to lust after watches like Patek Phillipe's Star-Moon Tourbillon. But to be honest, I feel that these types of watches, though outright amazing feats of technology, do not have the "Soul" of the watches that are now produced by Roger Smith. BTW, if you have not seen the website, there is a fellow who is building tourbillon by following George Daniels Book on Watchmaking The site is listed here: http://watchmaking.weebly.com/ Although, after visiting the site, one wonders if this fellow is doing it just to do it, or does this process have some significant meaning...it's hard to get that feel when looking at his site, as wonderful as it is! It's kind of like, "if you have enough money, you can reproduce anything you want!" type of thing! Don

They are good movements. The ball bearing for the weight needs to be replaced most often but that is a simple enough job and is usually done when the watch is serviced.