DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Crystal Plate, serial #12, Model 1872 with free-sprung balance, 16-17J, 16S, 18K gold (tested) OF original display case with threaded bezels, s#1773 marked to case band and both bezels, white enamel DS dial with Arabic numerals in radial orientation and with distinctive Old English "A.W.Co." signature, SW-LS, free-sprung balance, back plate and balance cock constructed of polished transparent rock crystal, gold pallet bridge, gilt damascene dial plate, gilt pillar screws, frosted and damascened winding wheels, s#12. Gross weight of assembled watch 68.4 dwt (106.4 g). One of the most beautiful and iconic watches in American horology, the Waltham Crystal Plate movements have red ruby jewels friction set directly into the upper plate giving the illusion of their floating in mid-air. This particular example is especially notable as it is believed to be the only known 16 size open face Crystal Plate that is equipped with a free-sprung balance; and this watch is also a strikingly beautiful example with its superb condition throughout, its unusual and elegant top grade dial, and its gold skeleton style case with an ideal simplicity of design that serves to present the piece without distraction. This example became known to the collecting community in the late 1990s when it was discovered among a jeweler's inventory in Lisbon, Portugal, and soon after this watch was featured on the cover of the October, 1999 NAWCC Bulletin. In total it is believed that only approximately 20 to 25 examples of the 16 size Crystal Plate were produced, and for more excellent information on this watch type we recommend the April 2003 NAWCC Bulletin article titled "Waltham's Crystal Plates" that was written by Gerrit A. Nijssen and Carl B. Goetz.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, upper crystal plate with a small flake and tiny adjacent scratch at perimeter edge outside the crown wheel, crystal balance cock with a tiny pinpoint flake at one edge of its hairspring stud protrusion, upper crystal plate and crystal balance cock otherwise flawless, gilt dial plate with superb color and luster, winding wheels with some tiny specks of mild oxide; flawless dial; virtually mint hands; case shows hardly any wear, nick to band near 2, no dents; tight bow, crown shows hardly any wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$30000
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$60000
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