Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Waltham Crescent Street 18-Size 21-Jewel Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique American open-face pocket watch dates to circa 1903 according to the source. It features an 18-size, 21-jewel nickel movement signed 'Crescent St, Waltham, Mass' with serial number 12502820. The source reports a full-plate damascened movement with lever escapement, raised gold jewel settings, and a micrometer regulator. The movement is housed in a white metal 'guaranteed silveroid' case measuring 53 mm in diameter with a screw-off back and bezel. The dial features bold Arabic hour numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock.

Front view of open-face dial with blued steel hands and subsidiary seconds
Front view of open-face dial with blued steel hands and subsidiary seconds — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Waltham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
AB-14763
Source-reported date
c1903
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
12502820

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Visual Appearance

The timepiece presents an open-face dial configuration with stylized Arabic hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds track positioned above the 6 o'clock position, and blued steel hands. It is marked 'WALTHAM' in block capital letters directly beneath the 12 o'clock marker. A winding crown and metal bow are situated at the 12 o'clock position.

The source describes the dial as a 'silvered paint on metal' surface. The dealer notes that inspection with an eye glass reveals 'small bubbles under the paint'. The front bezel is fitted with a bevelled mineral glass crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open-face dial featuring stylized Arabic numerals and blued steel hands”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker”
  • “Signed 'WALTHAM' in block capital letters beneath the 12 o'clock numeral”
  • “the silvered paint on metal dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Waltham””
  • “under close inspection with an eye glass you can see small bubbles under the paint”
  • “The watch has a bevelled mineral glass”

Case Construction and Dimensions

The movement is housed in a white metal case cataloged as 'guaranteed silveroid', measuring 53 mm in width. The case features a screw-off back and bezel with a smooth plain exterior finish.

The mechanism is described as stem wound and lever set. While the listing notes the presence of a setting lever, specific lever operation details or external bezel removal instructions are not elaborated within the dealer text.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement comes in a white metal guaranteed silveroid case, which has a screw off back and bezel”
  • “The case has a smooth plain finish”
  • “The watch measures 53mm wide.”
  • “The watch is stem wound / lever set”

Reported Movement Specifications

Direct visual inspection of the movement is not possible from the single front-facing photograph; all internal specifications derive exclusively from dealer reporting. The seller records a full-plate nickel movement decorated with damascening, equipped with a lever escapement, a micrometer regulator, and large raised gold jewel settings.

According to the source, the movement bears the inscription 'Crescent St, Waltham, Mass, 21 Jewels' along with serial number 12502820. The listing assigns an approximate date of 'c1903' to the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “full plate nickel movement has a lever escapement and has a micrometer regulator, large gold raised jewel settings and is decorated with damascening”
  • “The movement is signed “Crescent St, Waltham, Mass, 21 Jewels” # 12502820.”
  • “18 size 21 Jewel Waltham Crescent Street Pocket Watch. c1903”

Open research questions

  • Does direct photographic examination of movement serial number 12502820 corroborate the reported 18-size, 21-jewel Crescent Street configuration?
  • Does the painted silvered dial represent original Waltham production or a later refinish or replacement?
  • What manufacturer hallmarks and serial numbers are present on the interior of the guaranteed silveroid case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Crescent Street 18-Size 21-Jewel Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement InscriptionCrescent St, Waltham, Mass, 21 Jewels“The movement is signed “Crescent St, Waltham, Mass, 21 Jewels” # 12502820.”
Movement Serial Number12502820“# 12502820”
Case MaterialWhite metal guaranteed silveroid“the movement comes in a white metal guaranteed silveroid case”
Case ConstructionScrew off back and bezel“which has a screw off back and bezel”
Case Diameter53mm wide“The watch measures 53mm wide.”
Winding and SettingStem wound / lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”
Crystal MaterialBevelled mineral glass“The watch has a bevelled mineral glass”
Dial ConstructionSilvered paint on metal“the silvered paint on metal dial has a full set of blue steel hands”
Plate LayoutFull plate“full plate nickel movement has a lever escapement”

Visible details

  • Open-face dial featuring stylized Arabic numerals and blued steel hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker
  • Crown positioned at 12 o'clock surrounded by a metal bow
  • Signed 'WALTHAM' in block capital letters beneath the 12 o'clock numeral

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement specifications and serial number are reported by the dealer and cannot be verified from the single dial-side photograph
  • Condition ratings and micro-imperfections are source-reported

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.