DESCRIPTION:
APW - Nashua Watch Co, Nashua, NH, No 1233, 20S, silver HC recase, KWKS, unsigned WE-SSD, lever escapement, 15J, fully signed gilt mvt, s#1233. Upon partial disassembly, this example reveals the correct expected assembly number of "233" marked on the underside of the balance cock and "233" marked on the mvt dial plate which is consistent with other known 15J examples having the last three serial digits as their assembly numbers. The Nashua Watch Co was formed in 1859 with the departure from the American Watch Co of some of Waltham's most talented employees (including N.P. Stratton, B.D. Bingham, C.S. Mosley, J.H. Gerry, and Charles Van Der Woerd) to form this new venture with the goal of making the finest machine made watch yet produced in America. In terms of quality of product Nashua was entirely successful with the production of superb 3/4 plate watches in two grades, a 19 jewel model with known examples being in the 1001-1099 serial range and a 15 jewel model with known examples being in the 1201-1299 serial range (though with actual production completed under the Nashua signature likely being significantly less than these full serial spans for both models), but the venture was short-lived and achieved only a very limited total production before being purchased and reabsorbed back into the American Watch Co in 1862. This reunion proved of great value to Waltham, as the Nashua material formed the basis of the initial American Watch Co grade production in the model 1862, and the designs of Waltham's newly integrated "Nashua department" continued to establish Waltham's top grade production in the years ahead. One of the great classic American rarities and a watch of substantial historical significance. From the Wing collection.
CONDITION:
Mvt: GRO, near mint mvt condition overall, strong gilt tone, plates with only mild UFS and a very few small FS, bright steelwork with little oxide; dial with some scattered mostly light hls, greatest visibility of these being between 10 and 11; excellent hands; case shows light wear, typical MFS, no dents or dings, single plugged keyhole in cuvette which is lightly visible, bezel is a snug fitting replacement but shows a provision for a hinge while case does not have a bezel hinge; tight bow, push shows medium wear and material loss at its lower portions; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$15000
-
$20000
PRICE SOLD:
$10000
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