The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

Roosevelt Hotel, Madison Avenue @ 45th Street, Dec 04, 2002

LOT 493

American Waltham Watch Co., No. 987208, Model 1872, "A.W. Co." Grade, made 1877-78.Very fine and rare, 14K gold, keyless, extra adjusted watch in a factory case with an unusual dial.

USD 4,000 - 5,000

Sold: USD 3,795

C. Four-body, by A.W. Co., No. Y1114, "bassine et filets" with flat covers engraved in foliate and floral pattern, reeded bezels, gold hinged cuvette. D. Black enamel, white Arabic numerals, white outer minute track with five-minute Arabic markers, subsidiary sunk seconds. Gold "Louis XV" hands. M. 16 size, nickel, 3/4 plate, straight line damascening ("fausses-côtes"), 17 jewels in gold flush screwed settings, straight line counterpoised lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance witblued steel Breguet balance spring, patented cam micrometric regulator, safety pinion.Diam. 53 m|M|


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

This is a very unusual watch featuring one of the best early Waltham movements in an almost mint-condition factory case. The dial is particularly unusual as it is based on brass or a low carat gold plate, as opposed to the common copper plate. It was first covered in white enamel and then painted black. The numerals, minute track and signature were created by cutting through the black paint to show the white enamel base.