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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Waltham Model 1883 Crescent St. 18s Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an American Waltham Watch Co. open-face pocket watch dated to the 1890s. The timepiece features an 18-size Model 1883 lever-set mechanical movement, grade Crescent St., configured with 17 jewels and adjusted to position. It is housed in a 54.4 mm round 14K gold-filled case marked 'Warranted B&B Royal 20 Years' with serial number 6804484. The dial is white enamel with Arabic numerals, an outer railroad minute track with red five-minute markers, and a subsidiary seconds display positioned at 6 o'clock.

Three-quarter oblique view of the Waltham open face pocket watch resting on a wooden stand
Three-quarter oblique view of the Waltham open face pocket watch resting on a wooden stand — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
American Waltham Watch Co.
Reference
Model 1883
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-5834
Source-reported date
1890s
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
5726726

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

Watch Identification

The timepiece is described as an American Waltham Watch Co. pocket watch from the 1890s. It features a Model 1883, 18-size movement, grade Crescent St., with 17 jewels and a lever-set mechanism.

The movement serial number is recorded as 5726726. The watch is housed in a 54.4 mm round 14K gold-filled case.

Evidence for this section
  • “American Waltham Watch Co. mechanical movement”
  • “grade Crescent St.”
  • “17 jewels”
  • “size 18s”
  • “Model 1883”
  • “Movement SN 5726726”
  • “14K Gold filled”
  • “Case Size: 54.4”

Dial and Exterior

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and a black railroad minute track. A sub-seconds register is located at the 6 o'clock position.

The exterior of the watch includes a polished finish, a classic bow, and a winding crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals”
  • “black railroad minute track”
  • “sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock”
  • “polished finish and classic bow with crown”

Documentation Discrepancies

The source text provides conflicting information regarding the case construction and closure type. It lists both 'Open face' and 'hinged hunter-style opening back (snap closure)' as descriptors.

Additionally, the technical specifications list the 'Caseback' as 'Screw', which contradicts the previously mentioned snap closure description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Closure: Open face”
  • “The case is a hinged hunter-style opening back (snap closure).”
  • “Caseback: Screw”

Open research questions

  • Is the case of the open-face variety or a hunter-style (hinged back) design?
  • Does the caseback utilize a screw-thread or a snap-fit closure?
  • What is the historical significance of the 'Warranted B&B Royal 20 Years' case marking regarding manufacturer provenance?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Model 1883 Crescent St. 18s Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement GradeCrescent St.“Caliber: Crescent St.”
ModelModel 1883“Model 1883”
Size18s“Size 18s”
Movement Serial Number5726726“Movement SN 5726726”
Jewel Count17 Jewels“Jewels: 17”
Case MarkingsWarranted B&B Royal 20 Years 6804484“Case Back Markings: Warranted B&B Royal 20 Years 6804484”
Case Material14K Gold filled“Case Material: 14K Gold filled”
Movement AdjustmentAdjusted to position“Adjusted to position”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial bearing 'American Waltham Watch Co.' script below the 12 o'clock marker.
  • Upright Arabic numerals with an outer track showing red five-minute markers.
  • Recessed subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock.
  • Polished gold-toned case with top-mounted winding crown and rounded bow.

Research qualifications

  • Contradictory case descriptions in source text, describing both a 'hinged hunter-style opening back (snap closure)' and 'Caseback: Screw'.
  • Movement is not visible in the provided photographs.

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

Consulted source

1890s Waltham Crescent St 18s Pocket Watch Model 1883 Vintage – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 9659bbb4d4

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records