Bidspirit auction | Waltham 17 Jewel 16-Size Open

Waltham 17 Jewel 16-Size Open Face Pocket Watch in Engraved Wadsworth Case - An antique American-made open-face pocket watch featuring a manual wind movement. The champagne-tone metal dial is decorated with an engine-turned sunburst pattern at the center and features stylized black Arabic numerals. A sub-seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The dial is printed with the word WALTHAM below the 12 o'clock position. The case is constructed of rolled gold plate and features elaborate floral and scrollwork engraving around the bezels and side edges, with a linear and foliate design on the case back surrounding a central vacant oval cartouche. The movement is a nickel-finish bridge plate design with decorative damaskeening. The movement plate is engraved with A.W.W.Co., WALTHAM, U.S.A., 17 Jewels, and the serial number 24160125. The interior of the case back is stamped with WADSWORTH, QUALITY, ROLLED PLATE, and the serial number 7213010. Hand-scratched jeweler service marks are visible, including C172 and A1210. This watch is confirmed as a running timepiece. Diameter: 1 7/8 inches (measured across the case). The dial shows significant oxidation, dark spotting, and surface pitting across the entire face (photo 1). The printed Waltham brand name is faded but legible (photo 1). The rolled gold plate on the case exhibits significant wear-through to the base metal, particularly on the pendant, crown, and high points of the floral engraving (photos 6 and 7). Scattered surface scratches and small dings are present on the case back (photo 2). The crystal shows light surface scratching throughout (photo 10). The movement appears largely intact but shows surface grime and oxidation on the steel winding wheels (photo 3).