DATE SOLD: 2025-05-22
LOT#: 250522-169

DESCRIPTION: APW - Waltham, Appleton Tracy & Co, extremely low serial #5026, 16J, 18S, 14-18K gold (tested, exhibiting slow fade of 18K solution on stone, no fade of 14K solution) original "G & S" HC, gold cuvette, white enamel dial, KWKS (key not included with this lot), rose gold balance with diamond endstone, blued steel escutcheon around winding arbor, gilt mvt, s#5026 with case having an intriguing correspondence of final three digits to its s#3026. Gross weight of assembled watch 74.9 dwt (116.4 g). An extremely early example of Appleton Tracy & Co. production, being the sixth watch made by serial number with Appleton Tracy & Co. signature. Following the purchase of the Boston Watch Co. building and factory contents, the new enterprise in Waltham was initially named as the Tracy Baker & Co. and production began at serial number 5001 with movements signed as "Tracy Baker & Co." but this factory name and grade marking was very short-lived as only twenty examples were produced with this signature before the grade signature was changed to Appleton Tracy & Co. at serial number 5021. The present watch, at serial number 5026, is the lowest serial numbered Appleton Tracy & Co. example our consignor is aware of. From the collection of Ron Price, author of "Origins of the Waltham Model 57."
CONDITION: Mvt: Running, fine cosmetic mvt condition overall, darkened plate tone, darker spot to main plate over "N T" of "Appleton Tracy," additional lesser scattered dark spotting elsewhere, few fine to micro-fine scratches, hairspring stud with fine scratch striations from a past sanding and with a patch of oxide, regulator currently substantially out of place being oriented on the wrong side of the hairspring stud; dial with scattered hls; excellent hands, small bends to hour; case shows medium wear, numerous dents and dings to exterior, cuvette with crease type dent to its upper portion, cuvette with profuse scratches from past key slips, reduced engine turning detail with full loss through shoulders, case front opens a bit wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 100 degrees); brassy gold-filled replacement bow of somewhat different tone pivots freely, push shows ample wear; good glass crystal.
PRICE SOLD: $5,400


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