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  3. WALTHAM 23087250

WALTHAM 23087250 Pocket Watch Movement Dial 16S S/n

23087250 Waltham 16s Pocket Watch Movement Metal Dial S/n

( Brand: Waltham ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 23087250 ), ( Type: Movement ), ( Movement Type: Mechanical ), ( Material: Metal )

Review WALTHAM 16s Pocket Watch Movement Metal Dial S/n

The Waltham 23087250 is a meticulously crafted **16-jewel, 17-size pocket watch movement** with a polished brass dial, embodying the timeless elegance and precision engineering of the legendary Waltham Watch Company. This movement, bearing its unique serial number, is a relic of early 20th-century horology, designed to deliver unparalleled accuracy and durability for discerning collectors and watch enthusiasts. The **16-jewel regulation** ensures smooth operation by minimizing friction within the pallet stone and escape wheel, while the **17-size** movement though slightly smaller than the traditional 18-size still delivers robust power reserve and refined mechanics. The **brass dial** is not merely decorative but functional, providing a sturdy yet lightweight foundation for the movement s delicate components, including the **lever escapement** and **anchor**, which work in harmony to regulate timekeeping with remarkable consistency. This movement is ideal for restoration projects, offering a blend of historical significance and mechanical sophistication that appeals to both vintage watchmakers and modern collectors seeking authenticity. Whether integrated into a classic pocket watch case or repurposed into a unique timepiece, the Waltham 23087250 stands as a testament to the artistry of American watchmaking, blending heritage with enduring craftsmanship.

The Waltham 23087250 is a 16-jewel, lever-set, full-plate movement with a 16-line dial designed for pocket watches. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

### Pros:

1. **Historical Significance and Craftsmanship**: The Waltham name is synonymous with American watchmaking heritage, dating back to the 19th century. This movement reflects the traditional craftsmanship of the era, with intricate engravings, a full-plate design, and a lever-set mechanism. Collectors and enthusiasts often value these pieces for their historical and mechanical authenticity.

2. **Mechanical Complexity**: The 16-jewel movement indicates a level of sophistication for its time, with jewels used to reduce friction and improve accuracy. The lever-set mechanism, while less common than later automatic or hand-wind movements, adds to the movement s charm and mechanical interest. It requires manual winding, which can be seen as a nostalgic or educational experience for those who appreciate traditional watchmaking.

3. **Aesthetic Appeal**: The 16-line dial and the full-plate movement contribute to a classic, vintage look. The dial s simplicity and the movement s intricate details make it visually appealing to collectors who favor period-accurate designs. The movement s size and construction also lend themselves well to restoration and customization projects.

4. **Potential for Restoration and Customization**: Since this is a vintage movement, there is a community of restorers and hobbyists who can help bring it back to working order or modify it to fit modern cases. The lever-set mechanism, while less practical for daily wear, can be adapted into a decorative or display piece, such as a mantel clock or a standalone movement in a custom case.

5. **Investment Potential**: For serious collectors, vintage Waltham movements like this can appreciate in value over time, especially if they are well-preserved or restored. The rarity of certain models and the historical context of Waltham s role in American watchmaking can make these pieces desirable to collectors.

### Cons:

1. **Maintenance and Reliability**: Lever-set movements like the Waltham 23087250 are not designed for modern convenience. They require manual winding, typically every 36 48 hours, and are prone to issues such as pallet fork wear, jewel damage, or escapement problems over time. The lack of an automatic winding mechanism means they are less practical for everyday use compared to modern watches.

2. **Limited Accuracy**: Even in good condition, lever-set movements are not as accurate as modern quartz or automatic mechanical movements. They are subject to temperature, position, and wear-related variations in timekeeping. For someone seeking precision, this movement may fall short.

3. **Difficulty in Finding Parts or Servicing**: Vintage movements like this can be challenging to service due to the scarcity of parts and skilled watchmakers familiar with lever-set mechanisms. Restoration may require sourcing parts from antique dealers, eBay, or specialized watch repair shops, which can be time-consuming and costly.

4. **Not Suitable for Daily Wear**: The lever-set mechanism is not ideal for practical use. The need to manually set the time and wind the movement frequently can be inconvenient. Additionally, the movement s size and construction may not fit well in modern pocket watch cases designed for automatic movements, requiring custom or vintage cases.

5. **Potential for Hidden Damage**: When purchasing a vintage movement, there is always a risk of hidden issues such as worn pallets, damaged jewels, or corrosion. Without a thorough inspection by a professional, you may unknowingly acquire a movement that requires extensive and costly repairs.

6. **Ethical and Practical Concerns**: Some collectors may have ethical reservations about purchasing vintage movements, as they often come from dismantled watches that may have been discarded or repurposed. Additionally, the lack of modern features like water resistance or shock protection makes these movements impractical for active lifestyles.

### Conclusion:

The Waltham 23087250 16-jewel lever-set movement is a fascinating piece of watchmaking history with significant aesthetic and mechanical appeal. It is best suited for collectors, hobbyists, or enthusiasts who appreciate vintage craftsmanship, enjoy the challenge of restoration, or are interested in displaying a piece of mechanical art. However, it is not a practical choice for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use timepiece for daily wear. The movement s maintenance requirements, potential reliability issues, and the difficulty in servicing it make it more of a decorative or educational investment than a functional one.

### Recommendation: If you are considering purchasing this movement, do so with the following in mind:

- **Purpose**: Buy it for its historical value, mechanical interest, or as a project to restore and display. If you are looking for a watch to wear daily, this movement is not the best choice.

- **Condition**: Inspect the movement thoroughly or have it professionally inspected before purchasing. Look for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage to the jewels, escapement, or pallet fork. If possible, test the movement s accuracy and smoothness of operation.

- **Restoration Plan**: If you plan to restore it, factor in the cost and time required for parts, labor, and potential custom case work. Consider joining watchmaking forums or communities (such as those on Reddit or dedicated watchmaking websites) for advice and support.

- **Budget**: Vintage movements can vary widely in price depending on their condition, rarity, and demand. Set a realistic budget and be prepared for additional costs associated with restoration or customization.

- **Alternatives**: If you are interested in vintage movements but want something more practical, consider exploring automatic movements from brands like Waltham, Elgin, or Hamilton, which are easier to maintain and more suitable for daily wear. For collectors, there are also modern reproductions or reproductions of lever-set movements that offer the aesthetic appeal without the maintenance hassle.

In summary, the Waltham 23087250 is a remarkable piece for the right owner one who values history, craftsmanship, and the art of watchmaking over convenience and practicality. If you are passionate about vintage horology and willing to invest time and effort into its care, it can be a rewarding addition to your collection. Otherwise, it may be better suited to a display case than a wrist or pocket.

Details:

Waltham 16s Pocket Watch Movement Metal dial s/n 23087250.

part #: 23087250 price

  • $24.99

specifications movementparpar:

  • brand: Waltham
  • mpn: 23087250
  • type: Movement
  • movement type: Mechanical
  • material: Metal

seller movementparpar:

  • city: Akron, Ohio
  • # reviews: 40
  • rating: 100.0%

payments movementparpar:

  • credit card: Diners-club
  • other
  • wallet: Paypal

shipping movementparpar:

  • cost: $5.20
  • type: Calculated
  • class: Standard
  • carrier: USPS
  • transit: 5-11 Days
  • service: USPS Ground Advantage

general movementparpar:

  • Parts, Tools Guides > Parts > Movements
  • condition: For parts or not working

offer movementparpar:

  • options: Ship-to-home
  • quantity: 1
  • started: April 24, 2026
  • availability: In Stock
  • sold: 0
  • best offers: True

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  • policy: No Returns
type: movement, movement type: mechanical,
category: jewelry & watches > parts, tools guides > parts > movements, material: metal, sku: 6782361168439983,
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1 offer $24.99 USD
  • For parts or not working. Offer #1 priced at $24.99 + $5.62 shipping estimate = $30.61* total. Waltham 16s Pocket Watch Movement Metal dial s/n .+$5.62 shipping

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