How big is my loss if I mess up this Waltham?

[Tuvia]

So one of my goals for 2021 (after loosing all those pounds) is teaching myself how to change a balance staff.

I bought myself a staking set and chose this nice big movement from my old stash as a guinea pig. It's marked 16443683

My question is, I have no clue how much/if this thing is worth and there is a chance that I'll mess it up beyond repair. Does anyone know a ballpark amount this would fetch when working? Is it worth risking this movement?

Thanks

[LittleWatchShop]

My SWAG is that your value is on the order of a hundred bucks. 

[MechanicMike]

Go to Pocketwatchdatabase.com and enter your serial number. It will give you some basic info, including worth ADVICE not appraisal, based on internet trends. Check it out. I use it. Good luck.

[xyzzy]

Why not get a movement with no case?  They outnumber pocketwatches with a decent case about 100:1 on ebay.

[Michael1962]

Not that I know much, but I would think there would be cheaper movements to practice on than one with artwork like this has on some of the wheels and bridges. 

[clockboy]

There are plenty of Waltham’s on eBay so you should be able to find spares.As xyzzy points out many pocket watches have had their cases removed for the scrap value sad but a fact of life.

[watchweasol]

Hi Thats a fine watch and too good to practise on. One can acquire pocket watches without a case for £10 on ebay which would be better to use untill your skill set is up to speed.  Its something to aspire towards.

[Nucejoe]

 I think most everybody would agree with WEASOL, your watch is worth saving.

You might want to put it in to do box, for when you have gained the experience are seeking.

Best wishes

[Michael1962]

On another thought, if you were going to practice on it and you weren't really worried about it, box it up and send it to me.

I can't find pocket watches in Australia that are worth saving. Can't even find pocket watches that aren't worth saving.  

[Tuvia]

Thanks all! I guess you're right. I'll practice on a movement without a case and then move on to this once I'm confident enough. 

Found these in the stash, I guess they'll be sacrificing themselves... 

[MechanicMike]

There ya go. 

[watchweasol]

With a bit of TLC  they could be both runners.   good luck.

[Poljot]

12 hours ago, Tuvia said:

Thanks all! I guess you're right. I'll practice on a movement without a case and then move on to this once I'm confident enough. 

Found these in the stash, I guess they'll be sacrificing themselves... 

Did you already look at both Balance Staffs? Are they both broken?

[transporter]

Have you a lathe? Only asking as some staffs are riveted on and the rivet lip needs to be cut off by using a lathe. There are tools out there that will punch the staff out, they do work but can occasionally damage the hole in the balance wheel.

Unless of course they are friction fit staffs then you are home and dry with the staking set mate.

[Tuvia]

12 hours ago, Poljot said:

Are they both broken?

Only one is, I'll take to that one first.

[Tuvia]

3 minutes ago, transporter said:

Have you a lathe? Only asking as some staffs are riveted on and the rivet lip needs to be cut off by using a lathe. There are tools out there that will punch the staff out, they do work but can occasionally damage the hole in the balance wheel.

Unless of course they are friction fit staffs then you are home and dry with the staking set mate.

I haven't really examined them up close yet. If it's anything more than a basic swap I think I'll look for a different one. I want to start with the simple (if I am even allowed to call it that) stuff. 

[transporter]

Search the web for info on wether the cal. You want to use to practice on is a rivet staff or a friction fit, that way you won’t destroy the hole in the balance wheel forcing out a riveted staff thinking it was a friction fit, yes I’ve done that !!!

[Poljot]

11 minutes ago, Tuvia said:

Only one is, I'll take to that one first.

Good choice.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it :-).