Front, Back, Case Mark, Cuvette, Cuvette Mark,  Movement, Setting, Second view of movement, Third view of movement, Closeup of movement

Late High Finish 1872 Model American Grade Open Face. This late example of the 1872 Model American grade is fitted in a very interesting case that has both an inner and an outer bezel on the dial side. When the outer bezel is opened to access the setting lever, the inner bezel still holds the crystal to protect the dial. This feature can be seen in the close-up picture. 

The case and dial on this watch are believed to be original even though the dial is the simpler block letter AWCo form that is often found on lower grade examples. In this case it is a high grade glass enamel dial.

This watch appears to have its original heavy 18K case marked AWCo. Note that the inscription is for 1890. This and many other examples illustrate that the 1872 model was being sold for several years after the introduction of the 1888 model. During this period the 1872 model 21J watches were the top models available from Waltham, while the 19J 1888 model represented the second grade even though it was marked American Watch Co.

The serial number on this example is 2,605,046, which puts it in the same run as the Herman Hewett  movement, 2,605,071. There were a total of 1,730 American Grade 1872 models made with 800 still unsold in 1900.