Waltham Vanguard Railroad Pocket Watch c.1931 | 23 Jewel | Up/Down Wind Indicator | 16 Size
ITEM-2674
Product Details
Waltham Vanguard Railroad Pocket Watch c.1931 | 23 Jewel | Up/Down Wind Indicator | 16 Size
Product Description
Offered here is a superb Waltham Vanguard Railroad Pocket Watch dating to 1931, one of the finest railroad-grade
pocket watches ever produced by the American Waltham Watch Company. Built to
meet the demanding accuracy standards required by North American railroads, the
Vanguard was renowned for its precision, reliability, and exceptional
craftsmanship.
This example is especially desirable, featuring
a 23 jewel movement and the
sought-after Up/Down Wind Indicator,
a complication that displays the state of wind remaining in the mainspring.
This practical feature allowed railroad employees to confirm that the watch was
fully wound before beginning their shift, helping maintain the consistent power
needed for accurate timekeeping.
The watch is housed in a classic 16 Size yellow gold-filled open-face case
with a clean, understated appearance befitting a professional railroad
timepiece. The white single-sunk
porcelain dial features bold Arabic numerals, a highly legible
railroad minute track, elegant blued spade
hands, and the distinctive Up/Down power reserve indicator positioned
above the center of the dial.
Powering the watch is Waltham's impressive 23 jewel nickel movement, finished in an
attractive bridge-style layout.
The movement is lever set, the
standard required for railroad-approved watches to prevent accidental changes
to the time. The beautifully engineered bridge-style construction showcases the
high level of finishing and mechanical quality that made the Vanguard one of
Waltham's premier railroad models.
The combination of a 23 jewel movement, bridge-style layout, Up/Down Wind Indicator, and railroad-grade construction
makes this one of the most collectible Waltham pocket watches produced during
the golden age of American horology.
Whether you're expanding an advanced railroad
watch collection or searching for a flagship Waltham, this Vanguard represents
one of the company's most technically impressive and historically significant
models.
Details:
MAKE
- Manufacturer: Waltham
- Model: Vanguard
- Country: USA
- Type: Man’s
- Serial #: 27538673
-
Circa Date: 1931
CASE
- Size: 16 Size.
- Style: Open Face.
- Material: Yellow Gold Filled.
- Decorations: Plain.
- Conditions: C 3 (The
case is in Very Good condition)
DIAL
- Color: White.
- Type: Single sunk porcelain dial with Up/Down Wind Indicator.
- Numerals: Arabic Numerals.
- Hands: Spade Hands.
- Conditions: D 3-50 (The dial is in Very Good condition)
MOVEMENT
- Jewels: 23 Jewels.
- Setting: Lever Set.
- Escapement: Lever Escapement.
- Material: Nickel.
- Layout: Bridge Style Layout.
- Signed: Yes.
- Conditions: M 3 (The movement is in Very Good
condition)
Why Collect the
Waltham Vanguard?
The Waltham
Vanguard ranks among the finest railroad-grade pocket watches ever
built by the American Waltham Watch Company. Produced to satisfy strict
railroad inspection standards, Vanguard watches earned a reputation for
exceptional accuracy, durability, and dependable service.
Collectors particularly seek examples equipped
with the 23 jewel bridge-style movement
and the Up/Down Wind Indicator,
one of the most distinctive and practical complications found on American
railroad watches. The indicator allowed railroad personnel to monitor
mainspring tension at a glance, helping ensure the watch remained fully wound
for maximum accuracy throughout the workday.
With its premium jewel count, lever-set
mechanism, railroad-grade construction, and iconic power reserve display, the
Vanguard represents the pinnacle of Waltham's engineering during the final
decades of American pocket watch production. It remains one of the most
desirable railroad watches in the hobby and a cornerstone piece for serious
collectors of American horology.
