It is important that anybody in future who happens to stumble on the CPR Waltham, not be misled by somebody using the term “cheesy graphic” to describe a work of art! This is a significant watch as might be construed by the fact that somebody shelled out $1,500.00 for the pleasure of owning it! Cudos to them!
It is important that anybody in future who happens to stumble on the CPR Waltham, not be misled by somebody using the term “cheesy graphic” to describe a work of art! This is a significant watch as might be construed by the fact that somebody shelled out $1,500.00 for the pleasure of owning it! Cudos to them!
Oh my. I did not have that kind of cash but good to know. The movement looks prettier on GHCE’s watch so the dial is the prize. Did the CPR add to the value or collectability?
I watched an auction today and this old watch sold for a high price. Add state tax and 15% commission and it shows there is quite an interest in pocket watches with Canadian Pacific Railway (see dial for that). Hammered for US $1500. I did not buy anything.
That is a seriously beautiful dial on that watch. No wonder it went for so much. I'm not as interested in Canadian rail roads, and I don't have that kind of money to shell out at the moment so I would have also been a non bidder.
Okay! I mentioned that the dial on the CPR Waltham was done to represent the Dominion Atlantic railroad as well. I show here two pictures of the Dominion Atlantic version of the subject CPR Waltham. One difference is that in these pictures you will see that the watch is cased in a sterling silver hunter case (not open faced). AND, this watch is double-marked in that the movement is also marked Dominion Atlantic! This watch was photographed about 40 years ago, so the pictures aren’t great (sorry). The watch once belonged to a deceased friend of mine, and it was recently auctioned by Jones & Horan. I’d like to know what it brought!
While you’re at it, check this Dominion Railway Waltham that recently sold!
https://www.johnmoran.com/auction-lot/american-waltham-watch-co.-dominion-railways-pock_6FC415EB4D
I am not a watchmaker but the part on your friend’s watch engraved “Dominion” is not as shiny on today’s auction watch as the rest of the movement. It may be that CPR was originally on that part and it was swapped. Perhaps? We’ll never know.
That is a seriously beautiful dial on that watch. No wonder it went for so much. I'm not as interested in Canadian rail roads, and I don't have that kind of money to shell out at the moment so I would have also been a non bidder.
Nice though it is the PWDB tells a conflicting story.
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/waltham/5331816
the bridge looks like it should read Bartlett but does not, also note the different gilt color to the rest of the movement.
Can anyone shed some perspective on that.
That “cheesy” graphic (@ghce ’s words) shows how much he knows about what is probably one of the most collectible 18 size Waltham railroad watches. That dial is decorated in what is known as Limoge enamel. A multi coloured vitreous enamel rendering of a wood burning locomotive circa 1885. That dial alone is the difference between your “cheesy” $90.00 “turnip”, and the $1,500.00 subject watch. That enamel was hand painted in likely four colours, fired in a kiln each time another colour was applied. The paintress used a paint brush that had a single strand of sable hair! That dial was also done in the Dominion Atlantic Railway rendering, and possibly many others. Satisfy yourself with garden variety clunkers, and leave the cognoscenti to collect the cream of the crop! I’m surprised it didn’t sell for more. So there!
I haven’t seen one of these in person, and from the photos I’d have thought it was a fake/homage. Just knowing the skill behind the painting of these dials is fascinating, let alone the railway connection. Always something new to learn (and buy)
I think that one thing to remember when looking at dials made in the 1800s is that they were hand lettered, replication by transfer did not begin until the 1880s and it took a few years before most companies made the switch. You could potentially see hand painted dials as late as 1890. Here are my Illinois (the original IWC) from the 1870s and 1880s to show the meticulous work of hand painted dials. The first four are all Model 1s, chronologically listed: an 1872, grade Hoyt; an 1874, grade Miller, an 1883, grade 101 (which I purchased from @TexOmega ); an 1887, grade 99. The last watch is an 1887 Model 2, grade 5. If you zoom in on the details you can see the variance in line thickness, the subtle differences in how the script is lettered, as well as differences in the markers at the quarter hours, also note the seconds bits on each.
Absolute beauty! I'd quite like a Frodsham on my desk one day.
