Pocket Watch Waltham Railway Type 1903 Antique 17j Big Silver Nickel Case Fwo

Gentleman's large and highly impressive original Antique American Waltham Watch Co., high grade 17 jewel railway type pocket watch with beautiful ivory porcelain dial (with the rarer red Arabic numbers to outer edge) in a very chunky 18 size, Silverode (silver nickel), highly polished (mirror finish) swing out case which has a big locomotive to back cover. Looks to have been much loved and very well taken care of - her condition certainly reflects this. Full working order and is an excellent timekeeper with plenty of room on the regulator (which is sat correctly in the central position) for any further fine tuning. Fully checked, serviced by my highly experienced watchmaker and is guaranteed to be 100% authentic - a timepiece to grace any collection! Dial;- Impressive and distinctive, high gloss, 'snowflake' white porcelain dial in very near mint condition - absolutely no marks or nibbles and just one extremely feint little hairline (showing under eyeglass only) from 3 - 5 (so small is not showing up in the photographs but mentioning for accuracy). Clearly stamped in bold, black script; Waltham. Beautifully scrolled black Arabic numbers (note the lovely little arrow tip to number 4) with black minute markers and bolder black 5 minute markers to chapter ring and the rarer red Arabic numbers ( 5 - 60) forming the outer chapter ring. Recessed sub dial with black Arabic numbers and black seconds chapters. Finely cut, original gold steel spade and whip hands and original blued steel arrow tip seconds hand all in lovely straight order. Very thick bevel edge glass (not acrylic) in clear and bright condition (has one original tiny air bubble) with some overall little scratches commensurate with age. Case;- The highly polished and very chunky Silverode (fancy Trade name for silver nickel) large 18 size case (5.6cm diameter / 7.9cm from top of bow to base, 1.5cm depth excluding the glass) is extremely heavy (has a pleasing solid feel in the hand and total watch weight is a hefty 144 grams), robust and in wonderful condition (please excuse the reflections/dark shadows in the pictures, was extremely difficult to photograph) - absolutely no indentations or wear and just a few very light little overall surface scratches commensurate with age and use in her 121 years service. These robust silver nickel cases where favoured by the Railway men for their strength and durability and is a 'transitional' - still has the cut out for lever set which was used before crown winding became popular. All covers (both inside and out) still retain their original, high gloss, mirror finish. The front bezel screws on and off correctly, closing tightly (early form of waterproofing) and I have taken the liberty of oiling the threads for years of continued smooth operation. Has an attractive, slightly raised (and totally un-worn) coin edge making for an easy grip. The back cover carries a highly detailed (can even see the engine driver) large image of an American locomotive (with 'cow catcher' to front) which is thundering down the tracks with smoke billowing. The back cover is clearly stamped in arched script to the inside (within a circular shaped cartouche); Philadelphia Watch Case Co (with their Trade symbol of a crown to centre), Silverode and is numbered; 497650. This number is correctly, partially repeated to the steel movement ring; 650. Also carries three old service marks. To lift the movement from the case please take note of the following; pull the winder up into 'handset' position, unscrew the front bezel and using your fingernail insert it into the little groove located below number 6. The movement will then swing out easily. To put back always ensure the winder is in the 'handset' position, gently push the movement back into the case and give the winder a little turn (clockwise) so the retaining ring then drops down snugly. Screw on the bezel and push crown down into winding mode. Movement;- The stem wound and set high grade 17 ruby jewelled fire gilt full plate swing out lever movement (Grade no. 85, Run; 22 of 97) is in superb clean and bright order and as mentioned above has just been checked/serviced by my highly experienced watch maker. Has a compensated bi-arm balance wheel with brass balance screws and four red gold meantime screws (for precision timing), bright blued steel overcoil (Breguet) balance spring which is true, in the round and 'breathing' well, large ruby jewels in sunken chaton settings (correctly screwed in with blued screws), diamond end stone, ruby pallet jewels, heavily and beautifully engraved balance cock with Patent steel star regulator and original, matching steel case screws. Stamped clearly on the top plates in very fancy arched script; American Waltham Watch Co. 17 Jewels Adjusted and is numbered; 12557615 - dating her to 1903. This number is correctly, partially repeated to the underside of the balance cock; Jt57615. Balance action is tremendous in all positions (could not be any better) and is keeping excellent time with a sure, strong positive action - runs like a train. Winds extremely smoothly and fully (do not be afraid to fully wind, over-winding is the greatest horological myth!) Hand set operates smoothly and correctly - the pull up/push down action is very firm and true. Lovely original large 'onion' crown and an attractive engine turned brass 'dust proof' mount to top of stem. Good original big firm brass bow. Appraisal;- A very handsome and highly impressive Gentleman's American Railway type timepiece which as mentioned earlier was much loved and proudly cared for by the original owner - she will make a perfect gift and a heirloom to be enjoyed by your future generations! Ready to wear or display. Will be delivered in a new presentation box and be very securely and safely packed. I always have a good selection of antique/vintage silver nickel watch chains listed and in stock which will compliment this watch well - please contact me if you have any specific requirements. If you would like to discuss this watch with me over the telephone; Sarah Dunkley (9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri) please click on the 'Contact Details' at the bottom of the listing. ***Will Ship Worldwide*** UK - Free! Royal Mail Next Day Signed For Delivery