Photo Credit: Alhambra-Coin-Center
Waltham 14 Karat Gold 1920s Pocket Watch
Buy It Now Price: $626.18 (price as of 2017; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This very attractive, open-face 1920s pocket watch was manufactured by the well regarded Waltham Watch Company, based in Waltham, Massachusetts.
-The triple-hinged, solid 14 karat yellow gold case of this 1920s pocket watch was made by the Keystone Watch Case Company.
-The movement is a 17 jewel, size 12, grade no. 225, which Waltham produced from 1903 through 1934. This particular movement (serial number 24094400) was most likely manufactured in 1921.
-The completely original watch dial is accentuated by an intriguing bright-cut design in its center. While original, unrefinished dials are very desirable on vintage European watches, they rarely have a positive impact on the value of vintage American watches.
-The reverse of this 1920s pocket watch features an engraved shield motif surrounded by elegant, engine-turned decoration.
-According to the seller, this Waltham pocket watch was recently serviced and is in good working order. An examination of the movement shows that it is very clean, with hardly a trace of rust. Rust is the enemy of antique watch movements and can render them nearly impossible to restore.
-During the 1920s both pocket watches and wristwatches were widely used. By the 1930s, wristwatches had gained favor while pocket watches began to be viewed as old fashioned.
-This 1920s pocket watch absolutely exudes prohibition-era, flapper style. The 1920s was a boom time in the U.S. and people didn’t hesitate to spend lavish sums of money on jewelry, furs, cars and other luxury goods. This high quality pocket watch reflects that fact.
-Given its beauty, condition and the fact that it has already been serviced, I feel that the $626.18 asking price for this 1920s pocket watch is a bargain.
Cons:
-While the pocket watch is in very good condition overall, the sub-seconds portion of the dial has significant wear. Much of the enamel is gone in this area. In addition, the roman numerals 2, 3, 4 and 10 are all partially worn. However, given the age of the piece, I think this condition is acceptable. In addition, although it would add to the total cost of the pocket watch, a dial restoration would be possible if you were so inclined.
-The Waltham grade no. 225 watch movement was considered a very good, but not great watch movement for its time. In contrast, the very best movements typically had 19, 21 or 23 jewels. This has a moderate impact on the item’s value.
-Pocket watches from European manufacturers like Omega, Rolex and Longines are much hotter in the market right now than pocket watches from U.S. makers. While this significantly reduces the value of our Waltham 1920s pocket watch, it also affords us the opportunity to acquire it for relatively little money.
