1877 Waltham railroad pocket watch sz 18

[Jrx2]

I have a 1877 Waltham railroad pocket watch sz 18, the watch runs for maybe about 4-5 hours but then stops, so I took it apart and I notice one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel has broken off. Could this be the problem? If so, where can I find a replace part? Everything else inside the watch seems to be ok. 

[oldhippy]

If it broke off its more then likely it got into the movement and it would jam up the works. It should be quite easy to get a replacement as there are loads of replacement parts kicking around. Someone on here might be able to help you out, you could try ebay. Depends where you live, if your in America you stand a good chance of getting a replacement, here in the UK you won't find a watch material suppliers that have them. You will need to clean and oil the movement because taking it apart will disturb old dirt and oil.

Edited February 4, 2018 by oldhippy

[vinn3]

some times its hard to find a missing gear tooth or screw. or it may not be in the mvt.,  BUT search carefully.  you can get a used mvt. on ebay   may be cheaper than a new gear.  vin

[JohnR725]

When was the last time the watch was serviced? Visually watches can be very deceiving as to the condition. Like for instance it's hard to see the mainspring unless it's removed barrel if the watch hasn't been serviced in a long time it is probably set. TIf the mainspring is set you have no power the watch doesn't run very long and in it hasn't been serviced in a while that's adds to the problem. The little gear tooth floating around not good would probably just stop the watch.

[JohnR725]

Then if your watch looks like this one which and your ratchet wheel looks like this missing one of the teeth isn't going to be a problem other than it be nice to know it's not floating around in the movement.

http://elgintime.blogspot.com/2012/09/waltham-repairs-1877.html

[Jrx2]

22 hours ago, oldhippy said:

If it broke off its more then likely it got into the movement and it would jam up the works. It should be quite easy to get a replacement as there are loads of replacement parts kicking around. Someone on here might be able to help you out, you could try ebay. Depends where you live, if your in America you stand a good chance of getting a replacement, here in the UK you won't find a watch material suppliers that have them. You will need to clean and oil the movement because taking it apart will disturb old dirt and oil.

I do live in the US, just having a hard time trying to find a replacement part. Any good ideas on where I should look?

[Jrx2]

19 hours ago, vinn3 said:

some times its hard to find a missing gear tooth or screw. or it may not be in the mvt.,  BUT search carefully.  you can get a used mvt. on ebay   may be cheaper than a new gear.  vin

I already taken apart the watch for service, never could find the broken tooth. Must of fallen out while I was taken out the dial. 

[MrRoundel]

A search of Ebay would probably turn one up pretty easily. You could look for an 1879 as well. It should have the same winding wheels, perhaps just reversed due to one being an hunter-case, the other open-face. I'm guessing that once you clean the watch, perhaps replacing the mainspring while you're at it, will get you more running hours. I'm taking for granted that the pivots, other wheels, jewels, bushing, etc., are in decent shape. Good luck.