DESCRIPTION:
Waltham, "T.J. Pressey, Boston Mass." marked chronometer mvt with spring detent escapement, currently mounted in marine chronometer form with dial, tub, gimbals and box of later vintage, 16S mvt mounted within gimbaled brass tub in three-tier mahogany box, "F.J. Pressey 1203" (sic, please note error of first initial) marked silvered dial of approximately 2.25 inch diameter, KWKS (comes with two keys as pictured, one fitting winding, one poorly fitting to setting), spring detent escapement, possibly 15J, gilt mvt, s#1203 with serial number marking in somewhat cruder font so presumably not factory executed by Waltham but rather added at some point during the timepiece's working lifetime. This very intriguing movement is based on Waltham's Model 1860 design though of course features a spring detent escapement which was not used among regular Waltham production. This movement features a somewhat different signature plate shape, and notably its dial plate has been machined only for the present spring detent escapement type and lacks the machining elements for accommodating a typical Waltham style lever escapement and associated components. This movement is similar to several other spring detent movements based on Waltham material we have handled in recent years and a small number of others we have seen over the years, and this class of Waltham based chronometer escapement movements is very much deserving of further research and study. We have not been able to identify T.J. Pressey with some cursory internet searching, so his identity remains a mystery worthy of further research. We suspect this timepiece likely began its life in pocket chronometer form but was converted to its current marine chronometer form later in life by a firm such as the Roth Brothers Chronometer Co. of New York City to meet the pressing military demand at the start of World War II.
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, fully wound, balance not moving freely, overhaul needed, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, shallow indentation to plate surface to area right of s#, fine scratch striations to escape wheel bridge from sanding, dial plate with scratches and small peck marks around detent spring foot, balance cock screw is a non-blued replacement, case screw is missing its head though shaft of screw appears to remain within mvt; dial with scattered fine scratches and spotting, discoloration at upper-left of seconds-register, area of darkening near 11; fine hands with some oxide; tub and gimbals show light wear, areas of tarnish and finish loss; good glass crystal; inner box shows light wear, scattered scratches, dings and abrasions, finish loss to much of upper surface; good button latches; good display glass; outer box shows light wear, scattered scratches and dings, interior pads are replacements and the upper is poorly sized.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
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$2000
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