Amer Waltham Watch Co.

Grade: P.S. Bartlett

Model 1883

Pdctn Year 1903

18s

17j

Ruby Jewels

Hunting Movement Config

Lever Set

Full Plate Movement

Patent Regulator

Breguet Hairspring

Adjusted 

My goal with the pictures that I post is to provide you with sufficient visual evidence so as to leave nothing to your imagination, and to make you feel like you have the watch in your hands to examine.  If I fail – please let me know – and I will post additional images to meet your needs.  Now, let’s talk about this magnificent 121-year-old “survivor”.  It truly is a magnificent example of early American watchmaking.   The dial is white with slender delicate Roman Numerals and red Arabic Numbers on the perimeter indicating the minutes.  The hands are blued, slender and delicate.  This pocket watch is lever set.  You have to pull the lever out (see pictures 12 and 13) to set the time.   Both the front bezel with crystal and the rear movement cover are the screw on screw off kind.  The case is Silverode and was made by the Philadelphia Watch Case Company.  

History Lesson:  In 1884, Theophilus Zurbrugg formed a partnership with Daniel Leichty and Jacob Ott to manufacture pocket watch cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Theophilus Zurbrugg & Co. manufactured cases at 140 South Third Street.  Within a few years, Zurbrugg acquired the interests of the other members and organized the Philadelphia Watch Case Company around 1889. As the business expanded, Zurbrugg began looking for a location for a new factory.  In 1892, Theophilus Zurbrugg purchased the Pavilion Hotel in Riverside Township of Burlington County, New Jersey.  The last picture in this listing is of the Pavilion Hotel.  

Inscribed on the rear plate of the movement are the following: 

·     Serial Number 12664997

·     P. S. Bartlett, Waltham, Mass.

·     Safety Pinion

·     17 Jewels

·     Adjusted 

The next pictures show you the regulator and balance wheel.  I find it difficult to imagine how things as intricate as the regulators were manufactured with such precision at a time when precision machine equipment as we know it today didn’t exist.  The precision came from the skilled Watchmakers.  Look at the blued hairspring.  Look at the screws around the rim of the balance wheel that are used to adjust the poise ("balance") of the balance wheel.  Look at those little screws and then think about how you would go about making one. 

Okay folks – that’s it.  This watch is in strong running condition but since it’s 121 years old I am offering it for sale “as is” without any implication of warranty or guarantee. 

Got any questions – please ask.   I will endeavor to respond promptly.