Antique Ball Watch Co. Waltham Pocket Watch c.1901 | 16 Size, 17 Jewel

This Ball Watch Co. Waltham pocket watch dates to 1901, a significant period in American horology when the Ball Watch Company was establishing its reputation for supplying dependable, high-quality railroad timepieces. Manufactured by Waltham and signed for Ball Watch Co., this attractive 16 size open face watch reflects the precision and craftsmanship that made both names respected among collectors.

The watch is housed in a yellow gold filled open face case with an attractive machined finish. The case remains in Very Good condition, displaying honest wear that complements its more than 120 years of history while preserving its classic appearance.

The white single sunk porcelain dial features bold Arabic numerals paired with elegant blued spade hands, creating a highly legible and timeless design. The dial is in Very Good condition, exhibiting a period hairline and very slight edge chip that are consistent with age and do not detract from its attractive presentation.

Powering the watch is a 17 jewel nickel movement with Waltham's reliable ¾-plate layout. The movement is stem set, utilizes the dependable lever escapement, and remains properly signed. It is in Very Good condition, reflecting the quality engineering that helped establish Waltham as one of America's premier watch manufacturers.

• Manufacturer: Ball Watch Co. (Waltham)

• Country: USA

• Type: Man’s

• Serial #: B0545122

• Circa Date: 1901

• Size: 16 Size.

• Style: Open Face.

• Material: Yellow Gold Filled. 

• Decorations:  Machined.

• Conditions:  C  3  (The case is in Very Good condition)

• Color: White.

• Type: Single Sunk Porcelain Dial.

• Numerals: Arabic Numerals.

• Hands: Spade Hands.

• Conditions:  D  3-43-53-65  (The dial is in Very Good condition – Hairline – Very Slightly Chipped - Period)

• Jewels: 17 Jewels.

• Setting: Stem Set.

• Escapement: Lever Escapement.

• Material: Nickel.

• Layout: ¾-Plate Layout.

• Signed:  Yes.

• Conditions:  M  3  (The movement is in Very Good condition)

Early Ball Watch Co. pocket watches remain highly collectible because they represent the company's early relationship with America's finest movement manufacturers before Ball developed its later standardized railroad grades. This example offers collectors an authentic piece of early Ball history while showcasing the quality for which Waltham became famous.

Whether added to an advanced railroad watch collection or appreciated as a fine example of American watchmaking, this 1901 Ball Watch Co. Waltham is an outstanding survivor from the golden age of pocket watches.

Early Ball Watch Co. pocket watches manufactured by Waltham are sought after because they represent an important chapter in American railroad timekeeping history. This 1901 example combines an attractive gold filled case, dependable 17 jewel movement, and classic porcelain dial, making it an excellent collectible from the early years of one of America's most respected watch companies.