Thursday at the Charles River Musuem of Industry I had the opportunity to hold/view/photograph Waltham #1002 which was made in 1854, the second watch made at the Waltham Factory. It has 15 large sapphire jewels, brass plates and a single barrel mainspring.

Wayne,

I don't usually comment on clunky old brass movements , but WOW!

Definately an historically important watch in what appears to be excellent original condition.

In 1893 a photographer named Webster took over 100 photo's of the Waltham Watch Co factory. Wonder how the Charles River fishing was that day?

Were the ladies working in the Waltham factory pivot section in 1893 smiling because they would be off work on Thanksgiving day.

There is a snow storm in forecast for New England 6 Dec 2003 - here is the Waltham Factory during a New England snow in 1893:

During the cold winter days a fire place would have been nice at the factory office.

Watch delivery in the late 1890's.

The packing room, were all the fine Waltham watches were packed and sent to shipping. "Could they be getting ready for Christmas?".

Wayne,
Thanks for sharing the photos. I like when think that the antique watches we currently own were made in that sites and in that way...your posts sent us back in time.

A short distance from the Waltham Watch Co was the Boston Textile Co. On a windows appears this painting of some factory workers.

The Mainspring Room at the American Waltham Watch Factory, 1893.