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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Waltham Vanguard Model 1892 Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch from the American Waltham Watch Company features an 18-size Model 1892 Vanguard manual-winding movement. According to the seller, the movement is fitted with 21 ruby jewels, numbered 7024912, and dates to 1901 with adjustments for five positions and temperature. The watch is cased in a 54.1 mm base metal Defiance case featuring coin-edge reeding along the bezel and an ornate angular bow. The white dial displays Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track with Arabic 5-minute indicators, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.

Front view of an American Waltham Watch Co. open-face pocket watch on a wooden display stand
Front view of an American Waltham Watch Co. open-face pocket watch on a wooden display stand — Secondhand 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 1892
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-5258
Source-reported date
1901
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
7024912

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 Presentation

The pocket watch is shown in an open-face configuration with a white dial signed 'American Waltham Watch Co.' beneath the 12 o'clock position. The display incorporates black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer railroad minute track with Arabic numerals at 5-minute increments, and blued steel hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at 6 o'clock, tracked with Arabic numerals at each 10-second interval.

The timepiece is housed in a round base metal case featuring fluted coin-edge reeding on the bezel and an angular patterned bow positioned over the winding crown. In the listing photograph, the watch is suspended from a wooden display stand, which the seller explicitly notes is not included with the purchase.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial signed 'American Waltham Watch Co.' below 12 o'clock”
  • “Roman numeral hour markers paired with an outer minute track and Arabic numerals at 5-minute increments”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals every 10 seconds”
  • “Bezel detailed with fluted coin-edge reeding”
  • “Please note: The pocket watch holder is not included in the purchase.”

Reported Movement Specifications

The movement is not visible in the primary front photograph, so its details rely on seller documentation. The vendor describes the mechanism as a manual-winding, 18-size Model 1892 Vanguard grade movement manufactured in the U.S.A. and attributed to 1901.

According to the listing description and tabulated specs, the movement bears the markings 'Vanguard Waltham Mass. 21 Ruby Jewels Adjusted 7024912' and is stated to be adjusted for temperature and five positions. These mechanical details, including the reported 21 ruby jewels and running condition, have not been independently confirmed by internal inspection.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is an antique timepiece: a vintage Waltham Vanguard pocket watch from 1901.”
  • “It is a model 1892 with size 18s.”
  • “The movement is finely adjusted for five positions and temperature.”
  • “Vanguard Waltham Mass. 21 Ruby Jewels Adjusted 7024912”

Case Markings and Physical Dimensions

The vendor notes the case back markings as 'DEFIANCE 0995660', indicating a Defiance base metal case. These stamps are not visible in the available front image.

Listing measurements record a case diameter of 54.1 mm, a width including the crown of 62.8 mm, and a case thickness of 17.3 mm. Direct observation of the rear case exterior and interior markings is not possible from the single front photo.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in a 54.1mm round case, this timepiece is base metal and features detailed coin design on the edge”
  • “DEFIANCE 0995660”
  • “Case 54.1”
  • “Case w/Crown 62.8 Case Thickness 17.3”

Open research questions

  • Does direct visual inspection of the movement plate confirm the serial number 7024912, 21 jewel count, and adjustment markings reported by the vendor?
  • Does the inside case back confirm the maker and metal composition associated with the 'DEFIANCE 0995660' stamp?
  • Is the case screw-back, snap-back, or hinged, and is it original to the Waltham movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Vanguard Model 1892 Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement GradeVanguard“original Waltham mechanical movement, grade Vanguard.”
Jewel Count21 Ruby Jewels“21 Ruby Jewels”
Movement Serial Number7024912“7024912”
Case Back MarkingDEFIANCE 0995660“DEFIANCE 0995660”
Case Diameter54.1 mm“Case 54.1”
Case Width with Crown62.8 mm“Case w/Crown 62.8”
Movement AdjustmentsAdjusted for five positions and temperature“The movement is finely adjusted for five positions and temperature.”

Visible details

  • White dial signed 'American Waltham Watch Co.' below 12 o'clock
  • Roman numeral hour markers paired with an outer minute track and Arabic numerals at 5-minute increments
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals every 10 seconds
  • Blued steel spade-style hour and minute hands
  • Bezel detailed with fluted coin-edge reeding
  • Angular patterned bow above the winding crown
  • Hanging on a wooden display stand for photography

Research qualifications

  • Movement and inner case markings are reported by the source seller and not visible in the front photo
  • Wooden display stand shown in the photo is not part of the watch

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.