An interesting side note to Howard's Cole's escapement story is a solitary Waltham movement from a later period incorporating the same novelty. Twelve Size, Model 1894 (True Center Bridge) movement, S# 12,000,000, with 21 jewels and Cole's resilient escapement, was made circa 1902. The finish is austere, but nevertheless high-grade. It is more than likely that in 1902 someone at Waltham still remembered Howard's early experiments with Cole's escapement. As mentioned, Cole's invention was motivated by the desire to prevent a watch from setting in the event of the kind of shock that was commonplace during excursions on horseback. The lore that has been handed down with movement S# 12,000,000 is that it was made for the most illustrious "Rough Rider"of all, President Theodore Roosevelt, in his inaugural year. [Source: Irving Cooperman, "Pocket Time Pieces of NY Chapter Members," published by NAWCC Chapter #2 (NY), 1968] This story would indeed explain why Waltham might have made a watch with a Cole's resilient escapement in 1902, and had reserved for it such a special serial number. Alas, the original case that might conclusively have documented this important provenance is lost to the ages.
