Waltham Riverside Housed in Stunning Solid 14K Gold Hunting Case with Multi Color Overlay (1908)

Housed in a stunning 14k solid gold, five multi-color overlay hunting case, this 1908 Waltham Riverside is nothing short of a horological masterpiece. To find any watch in a case this elaborate is incredible, but to find it in such pristine condition is practically unheard of today. Hunter cases from this era are becoming exceedingly difficult to locate in good order, as the gold was soft enough that few survived a century of daily wear. Miraculously, this piece has seen barely any use; the hinges and closures remain exceptionally tight, and all the intricate multi-color gold engraving is extremely crisp.

This was truly the watch of its day for the discerning gentleman. Sitting near the top of Waltham's hierarchy of grades, a step above the Royal and below only the Crescent St., Vanguard, and Riverside Maximus, the Riverside was the timepiece you ordered when you wanted the absolute finest timekeeping Waltham offered without crossing into railroad service. With nearly 26,000 made over the course of its entire production run, this size 16 Hunting configuration (19 jewels, Model 1908, adjusted) represents a remarkable, highly sought-after slice of history.

It was born in a year that marked a turning point in American life. In 1908, as Henry Ford rolled the first Model T out of his Piquette Avenue plant, William Howard Taft was elected president, and Wilbur Wright completed a record-setting flight over Le Mans, this magnificent Waltham Riverside left the factory in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Adding to the extraordinary provenance of this timepiece is its presentation. The watch comes accompanied by a case from Feagans & Company Jewelers, a premier luxury purveyor in Los Angeles around the turn of the 20th century. Known for catering to the elite of early Hollywood and the booming Southern California aristocracy, Feagans & Co. dealt only in the finest goods available. The inclusion of this historical jeweler's case not only provides a beautiful display but also permanently grounds this spectacular watch in a distinct era of early American luxury.

Today, the brilliant dial and original hands present beautifully, and the 19-jewel Riverside movement is clean and running exactly as it should. This is an absolute marvel of late 19th and early 20th Century ingenuity, perfectly showcasing why the American Pocket Watch became a worldwide standard for accuracy and beauty.

All vintage pocket watches are cleaned, oiled, and adjusted for accuracy and warranted for one full year from the date of purchase.