Was anyone here the lucky winner of this rare and historical watch?
Auction link: click here

Wasn't me,
I quess those invisible balances are hard to find? *** w/original silver case

a magnificent example of the free enterprise market dictating the actual value price ! Then I woke up and and was relieved to discover that the buyer wasn't me

Wow, what a nice vintage piece of.......

Michael,

In your description of this watch you added historical which is interesting when the seller hadn't mentioned that. The movement was produced around 1860 which means it came out at the onset of the Civil War. The patent on it (Pat. Nov. 30, 1858 Reversible Center Pinion) is significant. In addition it seems around this time watch companies were merging and taking over other companies. This model 1859 in the price guide has three stars which means very few were made, less than 350. At first it seems the price paid was too much but considering how rare it is maybe not. Hopefully the buyer can find the correct parts and restore this watch to as close to it's original configuration as possible. Although the numbers won't match it would be nice to look and run right. It is truly rare, historical, and important.

Thank you,
RR

Yes Richard, you are correct. I was serious about the watch being special, although it is a shame the movement is incomplete.

There are many things about this watch, No. 27907 that make it very desirable and historically important:

It is an "American Watch Co." grade, the highest grade Waltham made.

Although it has the basic layout of the 1859 model, it has a split bridge for the pallet fork and escape wheel which is not found on the production model.

The Waltham serial number records do not show this number as a "thin model" (1859). I believe the first mention of "thin model" is at serial no. 28701. Therefore, I believe this is a prototype or pre-production model of the 1859.

Production of the A.W. Co grade is estimated at a maximum of 150 (1979 price indicator, Ehrhardt) and that is probably high.

It has the D.B. Fitts patent reversible center pinion you mentioned.

The dial is also unique with the text written in a large arc.

It may be the first, or one of the first, "American Watch Co." grade ever produced.

For the early American watch collector, this is a VERY special watch find. Wish I had won it!
Mike

Thanks for the comments on my movement. I actually bought this watch from a local deal and tried my hardest to see where the stuff came from so I could find the rest of the movement but to no avail. I never expected it to reach such a price but then again I am happy. I am glad I didnt walk away from that deal as I almost did. I made out very well on that deal as he gave me a price he wanted for the lot of what I thought was junk.