let's talk about Water Matics

[vacuumboy1993]

Hi everyone!
Water Matic/Filter Magic vacuums really caught my eye since I've discovered them. The fact is that I'm so curious about these machines but I can't find information anywhere so I thought I would be a good idea to ask here. I know that they're not a very common machines but I'm pretty sure that someone knows about them. Mainly what I want to know is the timeline of the models and what were the differences between the models (as they look almost identical). Any information will be appreciated (models produced, timeline, power nozzles, models variations, technical information, pictures, owners manuals...)

So let's start!

Kevin.

 

[kenkart]

Well....

Before they were called Water Matics, they were sold under various names, I have one sold new in 1963 called a Gem, also they were sold under the name Seven., and Satellite, I believe these are Canadian machines.

 

[ge1969]

Hi All! I have a turquoise and chrome Water-Matic and a chrome and red Satellite. The Satellite states it was made in Jacksonville Fla., but like you Hans, I think the Water-Matic was a Canadian machine. Later, Trg

 

[kenkart]

Hi Toby.

I should have said the basic machine was designed in Canada, The gem I have says Cyclo Floor Machine co.

 

[collector2]

To my knowledge the Watermatic was originally produced by Switson Industries in Ontario using a very similar design to the ones they were already producing for Regina, Viking, Coronado, Eatonia, Fairbanks Morse, Valliant, Waverly and many others.

I have pictures somewhere of a Regina that looks almost exactly the same as the watermatic but cant find it at the moment. Sufficing to say - compare the rug nozzle and parts with this Watermatic to the following pictures as well as the basic designs of the machines.

 

[collector2]

A Coronado

 

[collector2]

A Switson - again the same hose connection, same floor brush, small nozzle used

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I would like to know info on the introduction of the power nozzle for the Water Matic and when that was.
Great question Kevin!!

 

[vacuumboy1993]

hmmm...It's getting interesting, I never minded that they were sold under so many brands. The earlistr one I've seen was the turquoise/chrome one made by Regina and always thought that is was the original and the only one of that type.

Kirbyvertibles: I guess the power nozzles were introduced with the black models, so maybe it was in the 80's-90's? Anyway, I can't verify it, but that's my theory.

BTW, can anyone put a date on these models or tell me what were the main differences?

-Watermatic III
-Watermatic IV
-Watermatic V
-Watermatic FM

Thanks!

Kevin

 

[kirbylux77]

GE Powerheads....

Kevin, I have seen several EBay listings for black Watermatic's with the GE powerhead from the 1980's, except with Watermatic labels. If you go to their website, they are currently using the Wessell EBK340 powerhead. Look at the GE canister thread here in the Vintage section....collector2/Doug's baby blue GE canister, the powerhead in that picture is IDENTICAL except in color to the EBay postings I have seen for the Watermatic.

Rob

 

[kirbylux77]

Oops...the exact title of that thread was GE Questions! So you can see what I'm talking about.

 

[vacuumboy1993]

Hey Kirbylux!

I suspected that those power nozzles could be made by GE/Premier as I've seen pictures of some swiveltops with the same PN somewhere in the forum. I didn't know that they are being sold with a Wessel Werk PN that's a good thing to konw, as I just took a look into their website and they still have the pictures of the 2008 Edition Water Matic with the GE power nozzle, so that makes me think that it could be a recent change. I haven't tried any of those power nozzles, but personally I prefer it with the GE's, just because it looks better on the WM.
Also, there was another PN used on the Water matic V, that wasn´t sold under any other brand (as far as I know) and has a very particular design, so it makes me think that it could be made by WM, actually it is my all time fave. Here's the picture, any opinions?

Kevin

 

[collector2]

LOL - I have that model too - Water Matic V- Model: V747-2

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I was told that the turquoise model did have a power nozzle option but don't know when that would have been???

 

[kenkart]

Collector2...!

That Switson is to DIE for!!!

 

[collector2]

Hey Hans:

How about this Switson - I like it better

Doug

 

[vac_whisperer]

I saw that black one at Goodwill today for $6.00- is that worth it?

 

[kenkart]

Yes!

I like that too, but im more into canisters than tanks for some reason..Those Canadian machines are beautiful!