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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Stem-wound pocket watch

Waterbury Watch Company Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gents pocket watch was produced by the Waterbury Watch Company in the United States of America, circa 1890. Housed in a white metal case, it features a stem and button winding mechanism. The watch is distinguished by its duplex escapement and a spring length of approximately 27 inches. This specific example is identified as a later pattern rather than the long spring variant. The dial is made of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals, with a secondary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock. The movement plates bear inscriptions related to its 'Rugby' trade mark and duplex patents. This object, which was once owned by A. Saunders of Sydney, entered the collection of Museums Victoria in 1929 via a donation from Mr. John Askew.

Front view of the Waterbury pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, Roman numerals, and seconds sub-dial.
Front view of the Waterbury pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, Roman numerals, and seconds sub-dial. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Pocket watch · Stem-wound pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Waterbury Watch Company
Reference
Series R
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 17952
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
United States

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 Case Construction

A small secondary dial for seconds is located at the six o'clock position on the face. Surrounding this seconds sub-dial, the face bears the retail or owner mark 'A. Saunders, Sydney' alongside the maker's signature 'Waterbury Watch Co USA'.

The external housing of the watch is composed of white metal. The overall physical configuration measures approximately 4.5 cm in diameter. The watch operates via a stem and button winding system, which integrates into the top of the case near the bow, providing the energy for the internal spring mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial has black roman numerals and seconds dial at 6”
  • “stem & button wound gents watch”
  • “Dial is marked 'Waterbury Watch Co USA' and 'A. Saunders, Sydney' around seconds dial”

Movement and Escapement Details

Internally, the watch utilizes a duplex escapement. This design is paired with a spring measuring approximately 27 inches in length. Museum documentation notes that this particular watch represents a later pattern of the company's production, as it is distinct from the earlier long spring version.

The movement plates contain various markings that identify the series and patents. The back plate displays the 'Rugby' trade mark and is stamped with 'Series R' and the company name. The inner plate includes an inscription referencing 'Duplex patents' followed by a list of relevant dates.

Evidence for this section
  • “duplex escapement”
  • “Registration card states that this is not the long spring version but a later pattern with spring about 27 ins. long”
  • “Back plate is marked 'Rugby Trade Mark, USA, Series R, Waterbury'”
  • “Inner plate marked 'Duplex patents' and lists dates”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is currently held by Museums Victoria under the registration number ST 17952. The provenance indicates that the watch was originally owned by an individual named A. Saunders, located in Sydney.

The watch was acquired by the museum in 1929 through a donation provided by Mr. John Askew. This donation is recorded as having taken place on July 8, 1929, entering the museum's science and measurement collection shortly thereafter.

Evidence for this section
  • “Owned by A. Saunders, Sydney”
  • “Acquisition: Donation from Mr John Askew, 08 Jul 1929”
  • “Registration number: ST 17952”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'Rugby' trade mark in relation to other Waterbury models of this period?
  • Does the inscription 'A. Saunders, Sydney' indicate a specific retailer or an original owner's private commission?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waterbury Watch Company Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWaterbury Watch Co“Waterbury Watch Co”
Country of originUnited States of America“United States of America”
Datecirca 1890“circa 1890”
Registration numberST 17952“ST 17952”
Winding mechanismStem and button“stem & button wound gents watch”
EscapementDuplex“duplex escapement”
Dial InscriptionWaterbury Watch Co USA and A. Saunders, Sydney“Dial is marked 'Waterbury Watch Co USA' and 'A. Saunders, Sydney' around seconds dial”
Movement InscriptionsRugby Trade Mark, USA, Series R, Waterbury“Back plate is marked 'Rugby Trade Mark, USA, Series R, Waterbury'”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Stem and button winding crown
  • White metal case construction

Research qualifications

  • The exact manufacturing date remains an attribution of 'circa 1890'
  • Historical ownership by A. Saunders is attributed without verifying the precise timeframe of his possession

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch - Waterbury Watch Company, circa 1890

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d458a16f8b

Terms in this record

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