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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Calibre database

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Specifications

FieldWaltham Vanguard
Makerwaltham
CountryUnited States
Periodc. 1890s to the 1940s across successive models
Diameter18 size early, 16 size in later production
HeightVaries by model and size
Jewels19, 21 or 23 depending on grade
Frequency18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Power reserveApprox. 36 to 40 hours; some late grades marked for a longer run
WindingStem wind
SettingLever set on railway-service examples; pendant set on others
EscapementLever, jewelled to the centre on the highest grades
BalanceBimetallic compensation balance; later grades with improved hairspring alloys
ComplicationsSubsidiary seconds, Up-and-down (wind) indicator on some grades
ArchitectureWaltham's top railroad grade, produced across several models and both 18 and 16 size, with high jewel counts, gold settings and heavy adjustment to position, temperature and isochronism.