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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement record · United States

Waltham Vanguard

Partially verified

Waltham'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.

Technical specifications

Diameter
18 size early, 16 size in later production
Height
Varies by model and size
Jewels
19, 21 or 23 depending on grade
Frequency
18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve
Approx. 36 to 40 hours; some late grades marked for a longer run
Winding
Stem wind
Setting
Lever set on railway-service examples; pendant set on others
Escapement
Lever, jewelled to the centre on the highest grades
Balance
Bimetallic compensation balance; later grades with improved hairspring alloys
Complications
Subsidiary seconds, Up-and-down (wind) indicator on some grades

Identification features

  • 'Vanguard' grade name engraved on the movement
  • High jewel count with raised gold settings on many examples
  • Some grades carry a wind-indicator dial and matching movement work

Known variants

  • 18 size Model 1892
  • 16 size Model 1908
  • Wind-indicator grades

Servicing notes

Mainsprings and common wheels remain obtainable; wind-indicator work is specialist and should not be attempted by a beginner.

General guidance only. Antique movements should be serviced by a qualified watchmaker.

Historical significance

Waltham's answer to Hamilton's railroad grades, and the usual comparison piece when studying American adjustment practice.

Photographs

WalthamMA AmericanWalthamWatchCompany
WalthamMA AmericanWalthamWatchCompany — User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons file page
WALTHAM WATCH COMPANY FACTORY. WALTHAM IS ONE OF 35 MANUFACTURING CITIES AND TOWNS ON THE CHARLES RIVER - NARA - 550009
WALTHAM WATCH COMPANY FACTORY. WALTHAM IS ONE OF 35 MANUFACTURING CITIES AND TOWNS ON THE CHARLES RIVER - NARA - 550009 — Ernst Halberstadt, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page
WALTHAM WATCH COMPANY FACTORY. WALTHAM IS A BUSY MANUFACTURING CITY ON THE CHARLES RIVER - NARA - 550013
WALTHAM WATCH COMPANY FACTORY. WALTHAM IS A BUSY MANUFACTURING CITY ON THE CHARLES RIVER - NARA - 550013 — Ernst Halberstadt, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. Waltham factory serial-number records as published by the NAWCC
  2. Specification varies by model and grade; figures here are given as ranges rather than single values.

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.