Vintage Waltham All SS Diver Watch withPatina, Signed Crown, Runs FOR PARTS/REPAIR
FOR PARTS/REPAIR - Although the movement runs strong it gains about 7 minutes by the end of its approximate 43 hour power reserve period. Additionally, when the crown is pulled out, pushed back in and wound the dial vacillates and when the watch is turned upside down and then back upright a sound is made and movement is felt, suggesting that the movement is loose. Given this and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is long overdue and required. This vintage 1970's Waltham, which came from the estate of its original owner, has under the heavily damaged crystal a glossy black "T SWISS T" signed dial that appears to be in lovely condition. The lume on the dial and hands, which remains fully intact and emits a quick burst glow after being exposed to bright light, has aged gracefully to a warm buttermilk hue. The black bezel, which shows wear and rotates smoothly bidirectionally with an appropriate amount of tension, presents nicely. The all stainless steel case shows honest wear with insignificant signs of oxidation. The outer edge of the case back is stamped "ALL STAINLESS STEEL - SWISS MADE" and WALTHAM. The crystal needs to be replaced.
While I normally show pictures of the movements of watches I put up for sale the case back on this one is torqued too tight for me to remove. The manual wind movement runs strong albeit fast. After recently winding the signed, non-screwdown crown 23 full revolutions the movement gained about 7 minutes by the end of its approximate 43 hour power reserve period.
The crown winds buttery smooth. However, when the crown is pulled out and pushed back in and the watch is turned upside down and then back upright a sound is movement and movement is felt, suggesting that the movement is loose. This watch measures approximately 35 mm excluding the crown, approximately 39 mm including the crown and approximately 20 mm between the lugs.
Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the bezel, is approximately 8.5 mm. Including the crystal thickness measures approximately 9.5 mm.
A complete overhaul is required. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. For this watch that time is now. Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility.
And please study the 13 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.