Front, Back, Inscription, Face, Cuvette, Movement, Inside Back, Inside Cuvette

American Watch Co. 20 size Vibrator Presidential Life Saving Presentation. Around 1863 President Lincoln obtained permission from Congress to award very special pocketwatches to masters of foreign vessels who were instrumental in the rescue of American ships and crews. These presentations continued under other presidents with other watches from Waltham, but the Lincoln 20 size presentations are the high point of the program. This example has the jeweled vibrating hairspring, which brings the total jewel count to 20.

This watch was a gift from the President of the United States to Captain Albert DeBarande of the French ship Lafayette for the rescue of the American ship William Nelson in 1865.

These pictures were taken at the 2001 Florida Midwinter Regional where the watch was being offered for sale. Unfortunately I could not afford to purchase it.