Waltham 1899-Royal & 1908-Royal

This is one of a series of posts illustrating the main grades of Waltham size 16 watches, primarily the 1899 & 1908 models. Note that specifications did change over time, the description below being typical.

The 1899 and 1908 versions are essentially the same and so can be treated together.

These were one of the highest grades before getting to the Railroad grades and their "civilianised" variants. The damascened nickel movement has 17 Jewels, a Swiss lever escapement with a Breguet Sprung cut compensating balance with micro adjuster and is adjusted for temperature and three positions. The top jewels are screw set in gold mountings and it has a gold centre wheel.

The example shown, which has just been restored, has an unusual 3 piece plain dial and which probably originally had a retailers name applied, (see related posts on watch face construction and on  blank dials).