Originality vs Functionality
Today I have a quandary that I'd like some input on. Which is more important - originality, or functionality?
Today's subject is a Westclox model 38401 (1968-71), which utilizes a 7 jewel version of Seiko's 66B movement. This particular example is in rough shape - heavy water damage to the dial, pitting to the case, etc. It will be a "weekend watch"; something to wear while bumming around the house and tinkering in the garage or garden.
By my own stupidity, I broke the pivot for the sweep second wheel while troubleshooting an intermittent stoppage issue, and found it was cheaper to buy an entire bare 66B movement for parts, rather than purchase the specific part I needed. The one that I found is a Seiko-branded 17 jewel version. It works well, though is in need of a good cleaning and re-lubrication.
So the question - do I stick with the original but technically inferior 7 jewel version and simply use the parts movement as intended - as parts?
Or do I swap then entire movement out, gaining a movement that is "better" but unoriginal?
I like things that don't cost a lot; if that means I buy something broken and DIY a fix, so much the better!
This is why we have closed case backs! Who's to know?
Originality is for collectors, when rarity or desirability is very high. There is no sacrilegious damage to history being done here. If the movement swap is quicker, I'd go for it. If the better performance will matter, same answer. I do prefer the original crown though.
Just my opinion, but in this case originality is overrated. It is not as though people are beating down the door to get to a 50 year old Westclox. Just disclose it if you ever sell it. I would keep the original movement for any completist that may someday want it.
Just my opinion, but in this case originality is overrated. It is not as though people are beating down the door to get to a 50 year old Westclox. Just disclose it if you ever sell it. I would keep the original movement for any completist that may someday want it.
Heck, nobody is beating down the door for any model Westclox!
Thanks, that kind of confirms what I was originally thinking. But as a guy who has a 1946 Dodge pickup still with the flathead straight 6 engine, running from a 6 volt positive ground system, I find myself thinking about originality in situations that, honestly, nobody cares about. And that makes me pause sometimes.
I mean, were I ever to sell that truck, a Hemi V8 stuffed in there would generate a lot more cash...
This is why we have closed case backs! Who's to know?
Originality is for collectors, when rarity or desirability is very high. There is no sacrilegious damage to history being done here. If the movement swap is quicker, I'd go for it. If the better performance will matter, same answer. I do prefer the original crown though.
I agree on the crown; the one on the 17 jewel is way too thick, even if it is in better condition. But, again, this is a weekend beater, so...
Heck, nobody is beating down the door for any model Westclox!
I can just see the cashier at the drug store counter saying in 1969: "So, you don't want to spend the $3.00 for the Timex, well, we have this Westclox for $1.25."
Interestingly, this particular one cost $12 in 1968 (first watch on that page), which is about $100 today. I was actually a bit surprised at that, as Westclox is first and foremost the manufacturer of fine wind-up bedside alarm clocks like those featured in Loony Toons.
Interestingly, this particular one cost $12 in 1968 (first watch on that page), which is about $100 today. I was actually a bit surprised at that, as Westclox is first and foremost the manufacturer of fine wind-up bedside alarm clocks like those featured in Loony Toons.
If I remember correctly they were also the King of the Budget Pocket Watch, unjeweled or one jeweled.
At $12 that must have been top of the Westclox line.
If I remember correctly they were also the King of the Budget Pocket Watch, unjeweled or one jeweled.
At $12 that must have been top of the Westclox line.
According to the catalog page, they had one that cost a whopping $25 (about $206). I mean...someone obviously purchased these or else there'd be none today, but who in the world was doing this? I love my other Westclox, but I'm not sure I'd be in the market at that price for a new example.
Then again, maybe they had a reputation locally (they were headquartered out of Illinois), so perhaps there was a strong local/regional loyalty?
If I remember correctly they were also the King of the Budget Pocket Watch, unjeweled or one jeweled.
At $12 that must have been top of the Westclox line.
Yes, I have a ~1933 Westclox Dax which was at least in the spirit of the dollar watch. I believe it is of of the utterly irreparable type of movement.
I might be speaking out of school, but do you want a working watch or do you want to work the movement?
I might be speaking out of school, but do you want a working watch or do you want to work the movement?
That's a good point, actually.
Put an LS in it.
#LStheworld
I'd swap the movement out whilst you use the watch, you can always swap it back when you come to selling it
Swap the movement out but keep the original in a little baggie