Waltham Vanguard 23-Jewel Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1918
This Waltham Vanguard pocket watch is identified as a railroad grade timepiece. The watch features a 23-jewel movement equipped with an Ohlson patent regulator (1908) and screw-set gold jewel cups.
The silver case, constructed by Aaron Dennison, is dated to 1918 based on hallmarking. The watch measures 48 mm in diameter. The dial is a white, double-sunk type featuring Art Deco style Roman numerals, black one-minute markers, a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position, and blue heat-treated spade hands. The movement plates are decorated with fine engravings and Gothic-style lettering with gold plating.
The case back has a circular patterned finish and a blank central shield. The auction description reports the watch is in running condition, though specifics regarding recent service history remain undisclosed.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Railroad watch
- Maker
- Waltham
- Case date
- 1918
- Dial type
- Double-sunk
- Regulator
- Ohlson patent 1908
- Case Maker
- Aaron Dennison
- Jewel count
- 23
- Case diameter
- 48 mm
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Waltham
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a 48 mm silver case attributed to the workshop of Aaron Dennison. The case is English-made and retains hallmark stamps that verify a production date of 1918. The exterior back of the case features a decorative circular pattern surrounding a vacant shield, intended for custom personalization or monogramming. The dial is a white, double-sunk configuration, a method used to provide depth and legibility. It is adorned with Roman numerals in a style categorized as Art Deco, complemented by blue heat-treated spade hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the bottom, consistent with standard railroad watch configurations of the period.
- Visible features
- • Spade-shaped hands finished in blue • Engraved Gothic-style text on movement bridges • Decorative shield on the exterior of the case back • Double-sunk white dial
- Condition and Attribution
- According to the auction description, the watch is currently in running condition. No specific data regarding the frequency of servicing or the daily accuracy of the movement has been provided. The seller provides these details as technical information but notes that they have not independently verified the authenticity or performance. The attribution of the case and movement remains consistent with the provided hallmarks and the manufacturer's model specifications.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The watch is driven by a 23-jewel railroad grade movement. It incorporates an Ohlson patent regulator, which was introduced in 1908. The movement plates are finished with decorative engraving and gold plating. The identifying markings on the plates are executed in a Gothic-style font, often referred to as Old English. The mechanism is a stem-wound type, protected by an internal silver dust cover, ensuring the integrity of the internal components during regular use.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Seller provides no documentation on recent mechanical service or timing performance
- Research required: Provenance of the piece is not stated in the source