Often when I see a name engraved on a watch I am working on, my mind wanders out in search if who that person saw themselves as (Marjorie calls it "dreaming"). Andrew Stalb is a case in point . . .

Sometime soon after 1893 Mr. Andrew picked out a nice Waltham model 88 movement (which remains incredibly nice to this minute!). A question for those who are Pocket Watch Fanciers . . . Why does Waltham put 4 MEAN TIME SCREWS on a "lowly" 11 Jewel movement?

A quick search of the serial will show that this is "only an 11 Jewel Movement", but little did Mr. Andrew care so long as it kept time and was in a nice fitted (for this 16-1/2 size movement which is noted by the "W" above the makers mark) case!

Of course while we can safely conclude that Mr. Andrew was not running a Railroad Locomotive, his Choice of Dial and fitments leads us to speculate about Mr. Andrew's life . . . a story; "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" seems to float through my consciousness when I look at Mr. Andrew's choice timepiece!

While sadly we may never know everything about Mr. Andrew, I think I have a pretty good idea . . .

David-

Can you get any further over the top than that with a pocket watch? Must have been a flamboyant fellow.

Dana

Love that dial, Dave.

If you're gonna do it once, do it right.

That is a beauty, Dave! I especially like the dial, hairlines and all. As some people put their money in the movement, Mr. Stalb chose to put it in the dial and case. Great buy!

Beautiful watch,
The image that immediately flashed up in my mind about the guy, was 'Liberace'!

The 'Fleur de Lys' emblem obviously figured big in his life for some reason, the link below gives a short history of the symbol.

http://www.baronage.co.uk/bphtm-02/moa-15.html

John

A very nice package, indeed....Including this watchmakers 'Dreams'....

Well done David....Thanks for helping us 'Dream', if only for a few minutes....

Thanks, John, for that link to the "Fleur de Lys, it was interesting....

Regards,
Jerry