The Art of American Horology & Colle...

New York, Nov 28, 2001

LOT 34

American Watch Co, Waltham, Mass, "Appleton, Tracy & Co." Grade, No. 140029, delivered in November or December, 1864.Fine and rare, 18K gold watch with vibrating hairspring.

USD 3,500 - 5,000

Sold: USD 4,025

C. three-body, "bassine" by "F. C & Co.", engine-turned back, bezels chased in floral and foliate pattern, hinged cuvette with engine-turned border and apertures for winding and setting. D. white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "American Spade" hands. M. 16 size, gilt, 3/4 plate, going barrel with Stratton's maintaining power and Maltese cross stop work, 15 jewels in screwed settings, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compenation balance with gold screws, blued steel flat Fogg's vibrating balance spring, engraved balance cock and pallet fork bridge.Signed on the dial and movement. Movement engraved "Stratton's Patent" and "Fogg's Patent Feby. 2, 1864".Diam. 50.1 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

In an effort to avoid changes of isochronism caused by changes in the length of the hairspring when regulator pins are employed, Fogg invented a "vibrating" balance spring. His spring is studded to a pivoted lever, which movement is restricted by the regulating screw. Consequently, the length of the spring remains constant.For the consecutive serial number watch in a hunting-case, see Lot 43. (Also see Lot 43 for Stratton's patent.)