I recently acquired a Waltham "three hander". I was hoping someone might recognize it and be able to tell me the model/reference and perhaps the movement type. I'd like to date it but am unable to get the case back off. Any other information on this model would be very welcome.

Thanks for looking

 

although i dont see a spot to open the case, and no other access points that would make it a screw down case, look for a lip where a case knife would go. if you do not feel comfortable doing this, seek a watchmaker

 

The local watchmaker opened it and told me it's an ETA 1700. I'm wondering if he means an SA 1700?

 

Maybe AS 1700? Common movement. Don't recall ever seeing one in a Waltham but who knows. AS 1700 can be found in many high grade watches. Blancpain comes to mind.

 

Probably an ST 1686 (AS 1686).

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk&AS_1686

I have a little Waltham similar to yours.

 

His is an automatic

 

Would love to see a pic if you have any handy.

 

How can you tell?



I only looked at the first pic, then I clicked on the dial shot and I zoomed up as much as I could and could just make out blurry words like self winding.

 

I have one (or 2) similar to it, too.

 

Scratch that, mine is similar but it's a manual wind.

 

PS: It's "as found" and one day I'll service and clean it.

One day....

 

Mystery solved. Case closed. Here's one of mine. AS1700. Movement shot could be more clear but undoubtedly AS1700.

 

Outstanding! Nice linen dial on that one. Screw down case back, correct?

Any idea when these were produced? Or how they fared in the market place at the time?

When mine is back from servicing. I'll get it open for some movement shots.

Thank you everyone!

 

Snap case back.
Looks like a mid '60s style watch.

 

I thought Waltham went under in 1958?

 

American Waltham did.
After, it turned into Waltham International SA.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waltham_Watch_Company

 

This one is an ST 1686, as per this image from the Ranfft archive.

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&2&2uswk&AS_1686