Coin Silver Waltham 18 size model 1857 sidewinder.
Silver 18 size pocket watch made by Waltham Watch Co. in 1877. This is a hunter movement fitted to an open face case, in America these are known as "sidewinders".
The model 1857 was the first truly mass produced watch and was the basis from which the American watch making industry developed.
It was made mostly by machines that were able to produce reliably identical, and interchangeable parts, whereas previously watches had been made largely by hand with no 2 parts necessarily being identical. This made the watches cheaper to buy and much easier to repair.
The 7 jewel "WM Ellery" grade movement in this watch runs reliably and is keeping very good time. The watch is crown wind and lever set, unusual for an 1857 as most were key wind and set. (Withdraw the small lever by the 5 and rotate the crown to set the time).
The coin silver case is in good condition for it's age but does show considerable wear to the engraved design. However, no dents or dings, and no heavy abrasion. It has hinged covers front and rear and an internal hinged dust cover. All of the hinges are good and all of the covers open and close as they should.
Period correct, so probably original white enamel dial is in excellent condition with just one small chip to the outer edge by the 4, and with no apparent cracks or hairlines. The time indicated by a good set of blued steel spade style hands under a very good crystal, possibly a replacement acrylic I can't be sure.
Overall a very nice antique sidewinder in good order and running well, a true piece of horological history.
Shipping and delivery.
Despatched insured next day delivery to all UK postcodes.
International shipping fully insured with UPS only.
USA £40. Europe £25. other destinations please enquire.International buyers are at all times solely responsible for any import charges incurred.