This watch had a surprise. It's one of Elgin's 18 size designs were one of the plate screws is covered up by the barrel bridge. When I went to remove the screw, I found that the head was completely loose - broken off. It was just sitting in there, in the recess, held in place only by the bridge that covered it.
Fortunately the body of the screw was pretty loose too. I was able to just set the head on and get a turn or so in to start the body coming out, then remove it completely with tweezers. Weird...
The lower balance jewel was all chipped out on this one. It's hard to get a photo... There was some damage to the staff as a result of the hole in the jewel being ruined, but I think we've gotten to it in time (get watches serviced! Just because they run doesn't mean they are OK). The staff will be usable. I really don't like to replace parts unless it is really necessary. The world is running out of them.
See the whole album for this project here.More content here.
This watch is a grade 288, 18 size, 7 jewels, made about 1908.
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