Here is an very solid 18 carat gold Waltham pocket watch made in 1888 in exceptional condition with an equally exceptional and very high grade movement inside.
Measuring 51.8mm across by 75.5mm to the top of the bow, the pocket watch weighs 131 grams, and with such a wonderful heft to it, it feels fantastic to hold in the palm of your hand.
Not only this, but the condition of the case is absolutely as good as they come with its engine turned design still in its original sharp condition showing how little this pocket watch has been used and held during its life. It is so rare to find a solid gold pocket that is over 130 years old such as this one is, in this condition. And the exceptional condition doesn't stop there, as both the white enamel dial is free of any cracks and the superb movement inside has undergone a full overhaul and is running perfectly.
Going back to the dial, it displays traditional Roman numerals with the sub-seconds at the 6 o'clock position and is still so easy to read.
Opening the back of the case reveals tow further important features with this pocket watch. The first being that is still retains its original paper warranty from Waltham which is also in amazing condition for its age, and the dust cover has been beautifully hand engraved with "Presented by the magistrates & townspeople of Singleton to Senr (Senior) Constable Thos (Thomas) Mickey on his removal to Newcastle April 1889" It is lovely to find such a wonderful sentiment inside as it makes the pocket watch so much more personal than any other.
And finally there is the movement itself. The movement is of such a high grade quality that is up there with the best that either America or Switzerland ever produced. Of particular note in the movement is the regulator. Designed by Charles W Fogg, it is called the Fogg Tadpole regulator or Short Tadpole regulator and are held in such high esteem thanks to their superb accuracy. The regulator is used to adjust the balance wheel's rate of oscillation in order to improve accuracy of the watch. Several varieties of watch regulators are found in Waltham movements, most of which were patented and often called Patent Regulators. The best regulators offer extreme precision while adjusting the rate of oscillation. A patent regulator was often an indicator of quality which this one most certainly is. And as a final note, there were only 500 of this particular movement ever made, making it a truly rare and beautiful find.
From inside to out, this antique pocket watch is truly exception in all respects and looks as incredible today as when it was made all those years ago.
Stock# W1586
Circa: 1888
$Sold
Out of stock
18 carat gold Waltham pocket watch made in 1888 in exceptional condition
This pocket watch was presented to Senior Constable Thomas Mickey in 1889.
A brief history on the Waltham company:
The Waltham Watch Company was formed in 1850 under the name American Horologe Company. Over the years it went through a series of name changes such as the Boston Watch Company (1853) and American Watch Company (1859). In 1885 it became knows as the American Waltham Watch Company and finally in 1907 it became knows as the Waltham Watch Company (WWCo)
In addition to using grade numbers, Waltham also used many grade names on their watches. These names were often the names of Board members, company investors, or other prominent individuals. The grade name basically designates the model and/or level of finish of the watch. Some of the more popular Waltham named grades were: Appleton Tracy & Co., William Ellery, P. S. Bartlett, Crescent Street, Riverside, Central Park, Premier, Broadway, Royal E. Robbins, Vanguard, Bond Street, Sterling, Royal, Maximus and Colonial .
The regulator is of particular note and was designed by Charles W Fogg called the Fogg Tadpole regulator or Short Tadpole regulator. These regulators are held in such high esteem thanks to their superb accuracy. The regulator is used to adjust the balance wheel's rate of oscillation in order to improve accuracy of the watch. Several varieties of watch regulators are found in Waltham movements, most of which were patented and often called “Patent Regulators.†The best regulators inside a pocket watch, offer extreme precision while adjusting the rate of oscillation.
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https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/watches/pocket-watches-watches/
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