Is this Waltham? Square set for minutes, chain-wound mainspring?

[Dmitry]

Hello Team, 

Picked up a noname non-runner at a local auction. I am a newby  and have worked on a few Walthams before, but this one is very surprising.

This does not seem right:

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/waltham/6362

it is not 18s as the plate only measures 35.64mm, making it 7s, not quite common for American watches, but the regulator markings of Slow and Fast mean it is likely american.

What really threw me off is the chain that turns on a winding thingy by a key to wind the mainspring. And sure the chain is broken.

Any idea what model this is and how one goes about repairing the chain, or buying a new one?

Thank you.

[dadistic]

That's what's called a fusee, it was meant to even out the power of the mainspring as it unwound. This is probably an English watch, and will be tricky to repair.

I believe it is possible to buy chain, but I don't have a source.  But, if you search for "fusee watch" you should be able to find more info. 

Cheers!

Edited September 7, 2022 by dadistic

[watchweasol]

Hi an english lever fusee watch, They are nice watches the problem being they were made usually by out workers, some one made the plates, another specialist the wheels and so on so getting hold of bit is hard work as they can all differ in size and height .  The chains can be got off ebay in assortments but be aware of the chain length as these can differ also. I have been looking for three years for bit for a JW (John Wycherly) so far picked up three movements all different sizes and heights so the search goes on

[KarlvonKoln]

Hello Dmitry!  As the others have said, you have found a very old English-lever fusee watch!  Lovely old piece, that is.  Ebay is one source for old fusee chains.  But also consider this site: 

https://www.daveswatchparts.com/FuseeParts.html

Dave's site has quite an assortment of old parts, many of which are not seen elsewhere.  Measure the chain carefully, in thickness and in total length, and make note of the hooks or anchor-points at the ends.  I wish you good luck in your search!

[JohnR725]

7 hours ago, Dmitry said:

Waltham

why did you think it was a Waltham?

 

[Dmitry]

On 9/7/2022 at 6:46 AM, JohnR725 said:

why did you think it was a Waltham?

 

Wishful thinking:(

[JohnR725]

1 hour ago, Dmitry said:

Wishful thinking:(

yes it would've made an extremely rare one-of-a-kind early Waltham priceless but it's English more than likely with the English lever.

Then as far as the chain goes no need to buy another one you just have to fix this one. Unfortunately fixing fusee chain is not a beginner's subject and you probably need a lathe to make the pin. as mentioned above I've seen chains for sale on eBay but conceivably will come in a variety of sizes shapes and conditions. It be better if you fix the one you have.

On 9/7/2022 at 2:26 AM, watchweasol said:

Hi an english lever fusee watch, They are nice watches the problem being they were made usually by out workers, some one made the plates, another specialist the wheels and so on so getting hold of bit is hard work as they can all differ in size and height

often times with these watches if there early enough you can actually see the scribe marks on the plates were somebody was using adapting tool that determine where to put the pivots. Those are usually earlier later ones and yours would be later I'm not seeing the scribe marks. But no matter what the problem is they're basically all unique. There was never a catalog to spare parts for these for instance. That either means if something's missing or broken you do have to make it or modify something if you could find it.