1938 Reagan

 I know I did a blog post on the 1938 Reagan and when I went to verify that I realized it was one of the earliest blog posts I did... way back in 2012, almost 13 years ago!  Sometimes I forget how long I've been doing this.

I recently had the opportunity to do another so I thought I'd post about is again.

The Reagan was one of the first generation of models to use the "new" 987A movement that replaced the prior 987E, 987F and original 987 caliber introduced in 1927.  There was a lot of innovation over those 10 years.  The 987A would continue to be used until 1946 and powered hundreds of thousands of WWII military watches.

The Reagan was offered with a black enamel numeral dial or an applied gold numeral dial for $2.50 extra.  Considering the numeral are solid 18K gold, that was quite the deal.  Of course, $2.50 in 1938 is equivalent to almost $50 in today's currency!

My project watch looks like it just came out of the catalog.  It's even on a vintage strap.  If you look closely you'll see the dial is actually textured.  I can tell by the seconds register that this dial was refinished at some point, there should be numbers, but other than that, it looks great.  It also has a replacement crown.

This is an early 987A, just as it should be.  For starters the serial number is low.  Additionally, the barrel bridge and train bridge have holes to accommodate case screws.  Some three piece case models were still in use in the late 1930s and this movement could be used in them.  You can see in this photo that the crown is missing a dust sleeve - thus identifying it as a replacement.

It's a little hard to see them all, but there are at least seven different watch maker's marks inside the case back.  This watch has been well maintained.

The mainspring inside the barrel is a white alloy design, another clue that this watch has been serviced properly over the years.

The 987A is less temperamental than it's predecessors but you still need to be careful during reassembly.  Everything is bright and shiny after a trip through the ultrasonic.

The reassembled movement is ticking away with a good motion.  Let's see what the timer thinks of it.

Not too shabby.  The beat error is well within my personal specs, the amplitude is vigorous, and a slight tweak to the regulator will bring up the beat rate.

The after-shot of the watch is pretty much the same as the before shot.  However, this 86 year old watch is ready for more wrist time!