DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Crystal Plate, serial #35, 17J, 4S, gold-filled OF display case, white enamel dial without seconds-register, lever escapement, free-sprung balance, jeweled barrel arbor, gold train, gold pallet bridge, back plate and balance cock constructed from polished transparent rock crystal, quilted pattern gilt damascene dial plate, s#35. Possibly 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. In total it is believed that approximately 75 examples of this 4 size Crystal Plate movement were produced. For further information regarding Waltham's Crystal Plate watches we recommend the April 2003 NAWCC Bulletin article titled "Waltham's Crystal Plates" by Gerrit A. Nijssen and Carl B. Goetz. Please note that although this watch is pendant watch sized, we have included it among the men's size portion of this catalog due to its primary interest being among Waltham collectors generally as opposed to collectors of pendant watches.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, crystal main plate is flawless, crystal balance cock has a few tiny flakes adjacent the hairspring stud screw and has a hl fracture visible crossing the very narrow space between hairspring stud screw and balance jewel setting, gilt dial plate with superb color and luster; case shows little wear, some abrasions to band at 2:30 and 3:30, very small sliver of wear to brass to edge of front bezel at 9:30, small bits of wear to brass to lower portion of pendant; tight bow, crown shows hardly any wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$6000
-
$12000
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