The Art of American Horology & Colle...

New York, Nov 28, 2001

LOT 47

Waltham Watch Co., Waltham, Mass., "Premier Maximus", No. 17057285, circa 1908.Extremely fine and rare, 18K gold, keyless watch with winding indicator.

USD 8,000 - 12,000

Sold: USD 11,270

C. three-body, "bassine" by "American Watch Case Co.", polished, hinged bezel, back with engraved initials, gold hinged cuvette. D. white enamel, double sunk, Breguet numerals, outer minute ring, up/down below 12 o'clock, sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "Double Swell Spade" hands. M. special 16 size, nickel, bridge caliber, damascened, 23 jewels, four diamond endstones, the top ones in gold settings, adjusted to 6 positions, gold wheel train, straight line lever escapement, cut-bimetallic cmpensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, Ohlson's patented micrometric regulator. Engraved "Premier".Dial, case and movement signed, case signed also "Maximus".Diam. 51.3 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-17-01

Good

Slightly spotted

HANDS Original

Notes

Towards the end of the most prosperous period experienced by American watch companies - roughly 1900 to 1910 - many began experimenting with extravagant models. The first company to experiment was Waltham, who in 1908 launched the Premier Maximus model for $250. A few years later the price tag of this watch reached $500, an impressive sum indeed for an American watch at the time.