The Ferguson dial is one of the most well-known after-market dials in history and highly prized by collectors. This distinctive dial design was patented by L.B. Ferguson of Monroe, LA. in 1908. The large black minute numerals and smaller red hour numerals give the Ferguson dial a distinctive appearance.

Ferguson’s intent was to draw attention to the minutes rather than the hours and his patented dial accomplished that goal. However, the design flew in the face of conventional dial designs, so much so that Webb C. Ball referred to the Ferguson dial as a “freaky dial.” Subsequently, Ball sought to prohibit the Ferguson dial’s use in railroad-grade timepieces. However, despite Ball’s efforts, the Ferguson dial could be found on railroad grade timepieces and actively in use on the American railway system.

This Waltham grade Vanguard Model 1899 was produced in 1901 as a railroad grade timepiece and features a stunning example of the famous after-market Ferguson dial, complete with the Waltham name marking. The 23 jewel Vanguard movement is housed in a gorgeous Keystone Watch Case Co. J. Boss 10K gold fill case.

It’s the perfect example of a railroad-grade timepiece featuring the Ferguson dial that found use as an approved watch on the rails. This timepiece has quite a bit of character bearing testimony to its service to moving cargo across the nation during the early days of the 20th century.

When you hold this watch in your hand, you can feel the weight of history, the passage of time, the final days of a world without airplanes and automobiles, a world where trains ruled the day when it came to transportation. That this Waltham Vanguard still exists in such good condition speaks to the indomitable spirit of humanity, pressing on into adversity, into time, standing as a testament to those who came before us.