Tuesday 18 February 2014

The Waltham S16, 1899-620/625 & 1908-620/625

1899-620 Hunter 1902
This is one of a series of posts illustrating the main grades of Waltham size 16 watches, primarily the 1899 & 1908 models. Note that specifications did change over time, the description below being typical.

The 1899 and 1908 versions are essentially the same and so can be treated together.

1908-620 Open Face 1918

This was probably the best value watch in the range in terms of price performance, in todays terms the movement without a case cost $297, certainly a big premium on the 7 jewel -610 which was $187 (and the Traveler the Gilt version) but it was $79 cheaper than the 625 which was the same except for two extra jewels which would not have made a significant difference to the performance.

The nickel movement has 15 Jewels, a Swiss lever escapement with a Breguet Sprung cut compensating balance with micro adjuster. It is unadjusted and has a single roller. Hunter and open faced versions were produced, all are pendant set. There were a few 17 jewel versions made but I have never seen one in UK.

The difference in movement layout illustrated by the two examples is down to the difference between a Hunter and an Open Faced design to get the winder at 3 o'clock.


The 1899-625 & 1908-625

1899-625 Hunter from 1903


The -625 is the same as the - 620 but with the addition of 2 jewels for a total of 17.

2 comments:

Smart mart said...

Hi John , excellent info, looks like I have a 625 going by your info , 17 jewel, gold micro adjuster,full hunter Illinois 25year rolled gold case in excellent condition , and I'm in the UK, is that an unusual combination ? Regards Mart

John Lashbrook said...

Dennison cases are more common but IWCCo cases turn up quite often. to confirm what your watch is put the movement serial number into this database: https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/ John

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