$30 Waltham Wrist Watch - Should I Get It?

[IndianaMatt]

I found a Waltham wrist watch today at and antique shop for $30 no band.

I have added a photo I found online that is similar to (but is NOT) the one I found. The watch I found has a smooth, gold case.

 

#24782295

15 Jewels

10K Filled Gold Case

 

The dial is in bad shape (worse than the one in the photo).

The movement is running.

 

Do you think it is a good buy?

I think it probably is, but I wanted to make sure the dial could be restored before I bought it.

 

The shop had several Waltham, Elgin, and Hamilton wrist watches and an Omega. I wish I know more about Omega. The folks at the shop were not able to open the watches for me...I anticipated that and took along my case opener, but I wasn't about to mess with the Omega and it looked as if it takes a special opener anyway. The Waltham was the only one I opened.

 

Thanks!

[Gotwatch]

30$, running. Yes, worth it. Look to spend about twice to 3 times more to have the dial refinished. If the case is good with no wear through, go for it.

[WillFly]

$30 is a snip - go for it.

[ken]

Looks legit

[bsshog40]

Just the nice deco style case would be worth it to me.

[bobm12]

I love small seconds and the price seems right! cheers,

[IndianaMatt]

Well, I got it, and they had $40 on it, came down to $30 when I looked at it about a month ago and came down to $25 today. It's ticking strong, but needs a good cleaning and some cosmetic work. 

[Blacklab]

Got yourself a bargain there. I see the crystal has picked up quite a tan from the old lume

[WillFly]

The serial number tells me this:

 

Grade: No. 315

• Movement Serial Number: 24782295
• Grade: No. 315
• Model: 1900
• Estimated Production Year: 1924
• Run Quantity: 3,000
• Total Production: 89,950
• Size: 3/0
• Jewels: 15j
• Movement Configuration: Openface
• Movement Finish: Unknown
• Movement Setting: Pendant

[Gary]

very nice!

[IndianaMatt]

So, I took the crystal out to polish it, it's coming along...is there a way to get the yellowing out that is over the numbers? Also does the crystal just pop back in or does it need some adhesive?

[rogart63]

Be very careful with the hands  :huh: . Looks like radium ? Maybe even the dial has  radium numbers ? That why the crystal is yellow and burned . The radium is radioactive .  

Edited July 17, 2015 by rogart63

[IndianaMatt]

Be very careful with the hands  :huh: . Looks like radium ? Maybe even the dial has  radium numbers ? That why the crystal is yellow and burned . The radium is radioactive .  

 

 

I figured those numbers might be radio active.