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Waltham Vanguard Pocket Watch Identification & Technical Specs
Guild Home > Archive > Waltham Vanguard Pocket Watch Identification & Technical Specs

Serial Number & Production Dating Lookup

Enter the 5 to 8 digit serial number stamped directly on the movement plate (not the watch case):

AMERICAN WATCHMAKER • American Watchmaker Waltham Vanguard DIAMETER: 42.4 mm | JEWELS: 21 Jewels | FREQ: 18,000 BPH ARCHIVE SPEC
Original Horological Blueprint • American Watchmaker Waltham Vanguard Movement Architecture

Technical Specifications & Factory Archival Records

Grade / ReferenceVanguard
Movement Size16s
Jewel Count23 Jewels
Railroad Certification✓ Certified Railroad Grade
Vibrations Per Hour18,000 BPH (2.5 Hz)
Balance Lift Angle51°
Power Reserve40 hours
Escapement TypeStraight line lever escapement
Balance Wheel ConstructionExpansion balance
Hairspring SpecificationBlued steel Breguet spring
Shock Protection SystemRigid balance jewels

Horological Architecture & Collector Notes

The American Vanguard was engineered to meet rigorous American horological standards during the turn of the 20th century. Utilizing high-grade alloy components, a precision Straight line lever escapement, and 23 jewels with fine ruby endstones, this movement provided exceptional isochronism and positional stability.

Among vintage restorers and conversion specialists, this series is admired for its accessible gear train geometry and solid metallurgy, making surviving specimens excellent candidates for preservation and custom recasing. For examples of restored and converted specimens, see Welded Lug Conversions at AntiqueWrist.

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