1891 Antique Waltham pocket watch in excellent condition.
Waltham has a long and complex watchmaking history in America dating back to the mid-19th century. They produced quality timepieces and this was acknowledged by their railroad customers who insisted on high specifications. The case was manufactured by Keystone Watch Case Company who were known for their exceptional quality and precision craftsmanship.
This 130-year-old pocket watch has a beautiful white porcelain dial. Crisp, saturated black Arabic numerals indicate the hours with a neat railroad track outer indicating the minutes. The minutes are printed in red at 5-minute intervals. Blued steel moon hands. Small seconds sunken sub-dial at 6. Printed in black is American and Waltham Watch co. There is a very slight hairline crack which is aged.
The gold plated case is in excellent condition with hardly a mark on it and definitely no wear. The case back is hinged and is appropriately stiff as expected in a watch that has had virtually no use. The inside of the cse back is marked with a pair of scales and a crown which represent the Keystone Watch Company. Dennison Watch Case Co. Beneath this is a dust cover which is also hinged.
The Waltham Riverside movement is superb. Beautifully engineered and presented to a standard of the top 1% (by volume) of all movements at that time. Observe the pictures and you will see why. The double-screwed chatons and fine regulator indicate precision build and timekeeping.
An excellent Waltham timepiece.
Here is what AI had to say about the Waltham Riverside movement:
The Riverside movement inside your Waltham pocket watch is one of the high-grade movements produced by the Waltham Watch Company. Here are some key points about the Riverside movement:
High-Quality Craftsmanship: The Riverside movement is known for its precision engineering and superior craftsmanship. It was part of Waltham's premium line of movements, designed to meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Adjusted to Positions: The Riverside movements were typically adjusted to multiple positions, meaning they were regulated to keep accurate time in various orientations. This adjustment made them particularly desirable for use in pocket watches where the position could vary throughout the day.
Enhanced Finishing: The Riverside movements often featured finer finishing touches compared to standard movements, such as damaskeening, Geneva stripes, and polished screws. These decorative elements not only added to the aesthetic appeal but also reflected the attention to detail in their production.
Durability and Longevity: Waltham's Riverside movements were built to last, with robust construction and high-quality materials. With proper maintenance and care, watches equipped with Riverside movements can continue to keep time accurately for generations.
Historical Significance: The Riverside movement represents a pinnacle of American watchmaking during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Waltham was a key player in the American watch industry, and the Riverside line showcases the company's commitment to excellence and innovation.
Overall, the Riverside movement adds significant value and prestige to your Waltham pocket watch, making it a prized collector's item for horology enthusiasts and historians alike.
1891 Waltham Pocket Watch
Year 1891 Case Metal Gold Plate Back Metal Gold Plate Back Type Hinged Diameter* 53.5mm Power Manual Calibre Riverside