Antique 1907 Waltham Riverside Maximus: 19 Jewel High-Grade Movement in Hermetic Case

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$1,414.00

• Details
  Welcome to the Shop — A Place for Watch Lovers and Story Seekers
  
  
  Thanks for visiting — it means a lot. Feel free to walk around the shop; you might just see something that grabs your attention. The journey here is sprinkled with “Oh my,” “Oh no,” “I remember that,” and “Will you look at this?”
  
  
  Think about this, a stunning English (UK) origin WW1 wrist watch, notice the USA under the name Waltham, this usually is a giveaway of it being English. The crown jewel of this watch is the rare 19 jeweled movement, considered to be Walthams finest quality ever made. it is a real treat to offer one. This is a very special “Hermetic” case that was engineered and built by the venerable Dennison Watch Case Company, I legend in trench watch cases.
  
  
  Before diving into the details, grab your favorite drink and get ready to read about a movement so rare, it can fetch hundreds at auction—just for the movement alone.
  
  
  But first, a quick (and shameless) plug:
  
  
  My shop was honored to be selected as one of the watch suppliers for Apple Films’ “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
  Yes, that movie—directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, and Brendan Fraser. It just received 10 Academy Award nominations. A heavy, powerful film about a tragic chapter in our country’s history.
  
  
  Now, back to what I do best. My passion lies in the restoration of watches from 1915 to the early 1930s. I take pride in my authentic restorations, bringing these pieces of history back to life
  
  
  The Watch: A Rare Waltham Riverside Maximus (0 Size, 19 Jewels, 1907)
  
  
  If you’re a seasoned collector, you already know how rare this movement is. If you’re just getting started, know this: vintage watches with limited production numbers tend to hold—and increase—their value.
  
  
  This particular movement?
  
  
  • Only 500 produced in 1907
  
  
  • Only 9,684 produced between 1900 and 1911
  
  
  • None produced in 1905, 1909, or 1910
  
  
  
  That makes this a rare survivor.
  
  
  A Bit of History for the Curious
  
  
  The Waltham Watch Company was renowned for innovation. The 1883 model was a full-plate modern watch, followed by the 1888 model, refining the design further. Seeking a premium line, Waltham introduced the Riverside Maximus in 1896, a top-tier movement meant to rival the best—without outpricing the mass market.
  
  
  Eventually, Waltham released the Premier Maximus, a limited prestige piece that cemented the Maximus line’s legendary status.
  
  
  What Makes This Watch Special
  
  
  • Waltham Riverside Maximus (0 Size, 19 Jewels)
  
  
  • Serial #: 16054246
  
  
  • Manufactured in 1907, in Waltham, MA
  
  
  • Grade: Maximus | Model: 1900 | Hunter configuration
  
  
  • Adjusted to position, Breguet hairspring, gold gear train, micrometric regulator
  
  
  • Diamond endstones, sapphire pallets, hardened safety barrel
  
  
  • Professionally May 2025
  
  
  • Dial: Bold Military Style (WWI “Trench Watch” style)
  
  
  • Case: Beautiful shape, gently hand-polished — no wear-through, hermetic treasure
  
  
  • New old-stock crystal and hands
  
  
  • Custom 16mm black open-ended band
  
  The dial is is enamel, white, black numbers on beautiful high gloss . This is a real survivor of the past. This that special gift that can be worn for future generations. I would love to know the hidden stories on this treasure.
  
  
  What’s a “Trench Watch”?
  
  
  During WWI, pocket watch movements (0 and 3/0 size) were converted into wristwatches. Common traits:
  • Fixed wire lugs
  • Sterling Silver, Solid Gold, or Silverode cases
  • Military shadow box dials (like this one)
  • Snap lids, delicate case hinges — often damaged over time (this one is intact!) This is threaded, a rarity In that era
  
  
  Case manufacturers included Dennison, Depollier & Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, and more.
  
  
  Fun fact: Silverode (also known as Silveroid or Silverine) is a durable alloy made of 45% nickel, 54% copper, and 1% manganese — designed to handle daily wear.
  
  
  Riverside Maximus Notes of Interest:
  
  
  There are lower serial numbers for the 1888 Riverside Maximi, but they were finished at a later date. The second run of the 0 size 1891 model was not produced until 1900 and then in a smaller run of 200.
  
  
  It seems obvious that a management decision must have been made to introduce the new "top grade" watch to several of the product lines at the same time.
  
  
  Prior to this event the top grade had been the American Watch Co. grade. It continued to be a higher grade watch, but it may have become too expensive given the award winning history of the grade and the labor intensive adjustments that were expected for it.
  
  
  We should be able to show examples of each of the runs listed above. In most cases these differ quite a bit from later Riverside Maximus models made in the same size.
  
  
  Let’s shed some light on “English Hallmarks” these will often fill in the rest of the story of the watch
  
  
  The Anchor stamp represents Birmingham England’s assay office
  
  
  The letter “q” represents 1915
  
  
  The lion represents 925 Sterling Silver
  
  
  The stamp ALD is the case manufacturer, Dennison.
  
  
  Grade: Maximus
  
  
  Manufacturer: Waltham
  
  
  Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
  
  
  Movement Serial Number: 16054246
  
  
  Grade: Maximus
  
  
  Model: 1900
  
  
  Estimated Production Year: 1907
  
  
  Run Quantity: 500
  
  
  Grade/Model Run: 24 of 28
  
  I
  Grade/Model Total Production: 9,684
  
  
  Size: 0s
  
  
  Jewels: 19 Jewels
  
  
  Movement Configuration: Hunting
  
  
  Movement Setting: Pendant
  
  
  Wind Mechanism: Stem
  
  
  Regulator: Patent
  
  i
  Hairspring: Breguet
  
  
  Adjusted: Yes
  
  
  Adjusted to Position: Yes
  
  
  Railroad Grade: No 8
  
  
  
  
  
  Final Notes from Me to You
  
  
  This movement has been completely overhauled and serviced. It runs beautifully. I’ll package it like a porcelain doll and ship it fully insured.
  
  
  This isn’t just a watch — it’s a piece of living history.
  
  
  I don’t sell anything I wouldn’t proudly offer to my own family. I’m here for the long haul, not just for one-time sales. My goal is simple: legendary customer service and relationships that last.
  
  
  This watch isn’t perfect—but for something over 117 years old, it’s in remarkable condition. The real treasure is the Riverside Maximus movement. I wait months to find one worth restoring—and most are only good for parts. This one is a rare gem.]j
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