MAGNIFICENT MINT 1869 14K SOLID GOLD ANTIQUE WALTHAM APPLETON TRACY POCKET WATCH
| You are bidding on a stunning all original American Waltham Watch Company pocket watch that was presented in 1869! This watch is a massive and heavy mens size 18 (53mm in Diameter, not including the stem) and is housed in a spectacular 14K SOLID GOLD CASE. This watch is not only large but extremely well preserved. You can see the absolute crispness of the engine turning and hand engraved images on the case – WOW!! This high grade Appleton Tracy Grade watch is all original from new as there are no other screw marks on the case. These all original 14k Waltham watches are so difficult to find these days in this near unused condition especially in keywind – it’s an outstanding addition to any collection! There is also a unique and small factory error in the word Appleton on the movement, the centre stroke in the E is missing which is hard to notice. This makes this piece even more interesting.
The very fancy case is in superb condition – my photos don’t do it justice! It has been engine turned over the entire case with stunning hand engraved water scenes, surrounded by incredible floral detail. Check out the wonderful personlised from 1869 engraving on the dust cover. As mentioned, the watch is amazingly crisp and so well preserved would say it was rarely used if used at all as there is no smoothing! Such a rarity to find a case like this! It has no major scratches and one very shallow impression on the side back lid (it is not noticeable at all but I am only mentioning for accuracy). All of the case lids snap closed tight and stay latched in place perfectly with no gaps as you can see from the pictures. The front case lid lift spring works well and open the lid to correct position of 90 degrees. Both back lids also open to correct 90 degrees position. The hinges on the case are very firm proving again how well this watch has been preserved. The bow is extremely firm also whic is amazing for the age. To also describe how unworn the case is, you can still see the shallow step on the side of thr case push button, this is normally well worn off. Everything about this case is superior quality from the stunning circular designs on the dust cover to the cut outs around the stem on the lids.
The case shows a makers mark of ‘M&B’ on the case lid. It doesn’t show a trademark stamp but I have had this case very carefully xray tested to be 14K SOLID GOLD. With gold bullion being currently over $1300 for an ounce (31 grams), that makes this amazing piece very valuable. Then add to that, the historical value and craftsmanship and you have one spectacular watch!! This is surely one that would take centre stage in your collection!
The watch movement is a very old and collectible Appleton Tracy Grade Model 1857 with 15 Jewels, gold gilded hunter movement. The movement is in excellent condition as you can see. The movement serial number is very early 265393 and is original to this watch case as there are no other screw marks on the case. It is incredible to think this watch was presented just after the American Civil War and is this well preserved! There are not many solid gold watches from the 1860's in this condition.
The dial is in excellent condition as you can see. It is extremely clean and white. There is one hairline in the seconds dial (its very faint) and no chips. The dial shows the classic Roman numerals with beautifully blued Spade hands. The dial is marked correctly for “American Watch Co”. The glass crystal is in mint condition with no chips or scratches.
The watch is key wind and the hands are key set. The watch is running well and the hands set very well.
These very old, mint condition watches rarely ever make it out of someone’s collection. This is your opportunity to own something that is so old, rare and beautiful that you’ll want to brag about it!
Don’t miss out – BID NOW!!
Overall Condition: EXCELLENT
Please use the pictures in place of my description as they tell you more details about the watch than I ever can through words.
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The successful winner must contact me within 24 hours of winning the auction otherwise I reserve the right to offer the item to the second highest bidder. Payment should be made within 7 days of the auction ending otherwise the item will be re-listed.
I only accept payment via paypal for all international payments. If you are an Australian resident I would prefer payment via paypal or a direct bank deposit. Please contact me after the auction for bank details i
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