Anyone know anything about old Walthams? 'Chief'

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Hello - recently found this Waltham Chief. Im guessing it might have been made for people in the fire department? It has a fire hydrant in the logo on the dial and also says 'FD' at the top and 'NY' at the bottom. No idea what the other symbol stands for. I think part of it is a ladder. I was wondering if anyone who knew anything about Walthams might know anything about this here timepiece. Many thanks.

 
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There is a similar prop watch used in the film "Hail Caesar."

These sorts of watches are usually sold in bulk lot.

This one is a nice example. I like the bezel.
 
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There is a similar prop watch used in the film "Hail Caesar."

These sorts of watches are usually sold in bulk lot.

This one is a nice example. I like the bezel.

Good spot on the "Hail Ceaser" link! I am curious about the fire department connection.
 
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There is no question that is the old logo of the New York City Fire Department.


https://trademarks.justia.com/779/80/f-d-n-77980381.html

On the left side is a hook and ladder, on the right is a fire extinguisher.

I found an auction listing which I first thought was another example, but the dial damage matched yours. My guess it is your watch.

I’m pretty sure that the model was probably sold under other names with a different dial. This version was likely sold only to the NYFD. The trademark mentions watches. The model name “Chief” would be consistent, as that is a rank in the department. Someone would need to do research in the NYFD records to determine how these watches were awarded.

Very interesting piece.
gatorcpa
 
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Likely a retirement gift from an era when people gave more attention to tenure. Standard practice to get a gold watch after 20years service to the city. Lovely collectible for guys like myself who are in the fire service. FDNY is the 2nd largest fire department in the world behind Tokyo. This would be desirable to an old school collector of fire memorabilia.
 
Posts
83
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129
There is no question that is the old logo of the New York City Fire Department.


https://trademarks.justia.com/779/80/f-d-n-77980381.html

On the left side is a hook and ladder, on the right is a fire extinguisher.

I found an auction listing which I first thought was another example, but the dial damage matched yours. My guess it is your watch.

I’m pretty sure that the model was probably sold under other names with a different dial. This version was likely sold only to the NYFD. The trademark mentions watches. The model name “Chief” would be consistent, as that is a rank in the department. Someone would need to do research in the NYFD records to determine how these watches were awarded.

Very interesting piece.
gatorcpa
That is indeed the watch you saw. Thanks for shedding light. It's still ticking strong and running very well.