1901 Waltham Riverside Maximus: Armor Shield, 19J Rare Movement, Sterling Silver Case, Roman Numeral Dial
$1,391.00
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DetailsWelcome to my shop. Before you read this, you might want to get a beverage of choice and read about a movement so hard to source that they can go for hundreds of dollars at auction just for the movement.
But, a shameless plug for me. My shop was selected to be one of the watch suppliers to Apple Films for their movie, you may of heard of it. It’s called “Flowers of The Killer Moon”.
It starred Robert Di Nero, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemmons, Brendan Fraser, it was directed by Martin Scorsese. It just received 10 academy award nominations. My sweet spot for restoring watches is 1915 to early 1930. I work hard at authentic restorations.
If you are a collector or a researcher, you will know that this movement is one of the hardest to source.
If you are a collector, you know the value of the rare movement, if you are starting out, limited production vintage watches of this quality hold their value. Value is tied to production numbers. There were 9684 manufactured from
First a snippet of history, we all like history. Before we go further, did nit notice the Armor Shield!
The first product of the new structure was the 1883 model which was a modern full plate watch and the the 1888 model was produced as the new design of the Nashua product line.
Once the company had rationalized the actual products, they turned to the issue of a "premium" product line and its relationship to the main lines of production. Fitch and almost certainly Robbins were uncomfortable with the American Watch Co. grade because there was no valid market for it in the United States. Its market demand was appropriate for a handmade watch but could not support a mass-produced watch. Waltham was having a difficult time moving the product. Henry Ford actually bought the remainders of these efforts during the depression.
The 1896 introduction of the Riverside Maximus grade was the final resolution with a new "premium" line that was not so far above the normal products that it could still be used to promote all the models and grades. Later, a strictly limited production loss leader was produced in the Premier Maximus to establish a prestige watch point that still carried the Maximus name.
The Waltham “Maximus” series is considered among Waltham collectors as their finest movement. This beautiful watch dates back to 1904. The movement is the highly coveted “Riverside Maximus”. It is a “0” size with 19 jewels. In 1904 they only made 500! In its entire production run from 1900 to 1911 they only produced 9,684! In 1905, 1909 and 1910 they did not produce any!
I am not done with the characteristics of this rare watch. Notice the Waltham Bold Military shadow box dial, the epitome of the WW1/Trench Watch era
What is a “Trench Watch”
What are WW1 or Trench watches? They were created using 3/0 and 0 size pocket watch movements and installing into watch cases that were meant to worn on the wrist.
They often have some of the following characteristics:
Fixed or Wire Lug: No traditional spring bar attachment as found in today’s watches.
Case Material: It or often Solid Gold / Sterling Silver (925) / Silverode or Gold Filled.. The case lid snaps snug on the case. The Case back opens at a 90 degree angle. This is important to note as many cases were badly damaged by their owners by pulling back the case back lid too far and damaging the hinge assembly. This watch case has been taken care of throughout its 100 years, it is in remarkable shape.
*For more practical purposes, a special alloy was developed which went by several different names, such as, "Silveroid, Silverore, Silverode or Silverine. "Silveroid" appears to have become the standard name for this metal that consisted of 45% nickel, 54% copper and 1% manganese. This metal was fairly hard wearing and could withstand the rigors of everyday use, for instance on the Railroads.
Case Manufactures: There were many case manufacturers that made cases for Trench Watches. Some of the more well know were: Dennison (English Manufacturer) Illinois (not affiliated with the Illinois Watch Company) Depollier and Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, Philadelphia, Fortune and many more
The dial is a beautiful shadow box military dial a style that has never gone out and has stood the test of vintage time
The movement has had an overhaul and cleaning as of February 2024 It runs beautifully.
The case has been gently polished, there is no wear through! Another indication that this watch was taken care of
Below are the specs on the highly coveted movement:
Dial was professionally cleaned
New old stock crystal
14MM black open ended watch band
Case was hand polished
New old stock hands
Complete tear down mechanical service February 2024
Below is an advisement description of the “0” size movement from 1915 describing the 0 size 19 jeweled movement as seen on PWD web site!
0 Size Waltham Riverside Maximus 19 Jewel Nickel Movement 19 diamond and ruby jewels.
1 pair diamond caps
Raised gold settings
Adjusted and carefully timed, compensating balance
Both balance pivots running on diamonds, meantime screws
Patent detachable balance staff
Patent Breguet hairspring
Hardened and tempered in form, double-roller escapement
Sapphire jewel pin permanently driven into the roller
Steel escape wheel
Exposed sapphire pallets
Patent micrometric regulator
Solid gold train
Tempered steel safety barrel
Exposed winding wheels
In other words, a fabulous, rare movement, with sophisticated engineering and exceptional build quality, it would of competed with the best in its day. It is 123 years young and it is beautiful shape, truly a testament to its design and build quality.
#10053001 was the very first Maximus movement produced, what this tells us. This is a very early Maximus movement as noted by its serial production number.
Grade:
Manufacturer: Waltham
Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Movement Serial Number: 10581500
Grade: Maximus
Model: 1900
Estimated Production Year: 1901
Run Quantity: 1,500
Grade/Model Run: 4 of 28
Grade/Model Total Production: 9,684
Size: 0s
Jewels: 19 Jewel
Movement Configuration: Hunting
Movement Setting: Pendant
Regulator: Patent
Hairspring: Breguet
Adjusted: Yes
Adjusted to Position: Yes
I will package the watch like a porcelain doll to insure its safe arrival. It will be insured against loss as well. I am proud of my offerings. I would only offer watches that I would offer to my own family. I will be here long after the purchase is made. I want repeat business, not just one. I understand the value of legendary customer service.
This watch is not perfect, if it was I would be describing it that way. This case for as old as it is, is in remarkable condition. The real crown jewel is the highly collectible “Maximus” movement, sometimes I wait months to get one, and most of them are so badly damaged they are to be parts only. This is a real treasure. Dud you notice the obvious, the Armor Shield, a rare survivor. What a rare offering. Walthams highest grade 0 size movement, Sterling Silver Case and a Armor Shield. The Trifecta! -
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