Waltham Railroad Grade Crescent St. with Up/Down Wind Indicator Housed in Mainliner Case

In 1915 WWI had just started overseas, the first United States coast-to-coast long-distance telephone call was facilitated by Alexander Graham Bell using vacuum tubes. Charlie Chaplin's film The Tramp was released, and this Crescent St. rolled off the production line in Waltham, Massachusetts, at the Waltham Watch Company's historic factory. The design of this watch was prized for its steadfast adherence to the strict safety regulations required of the railroad industry. As a result, Waltham's Crescent St. were put into service as quickly as they were produced. Railroad employees often paid for these watches on terms and used them in the rigorous day-to-day life on the rails. Little did they realize an essential piece of equipment for their jobs would someday become a highly sought-after collectible. Because these Vanguards were put into service it is rare to find one in excellent condition, and that's what makes this such an exciting piece. This early Waltham Vanguard features the rare Up/Down Wind Indicator, showing how much mainspring is let on each wind.  Housed in a high-grade Keystone/J.Boss 10k gold fill Mainliner case, 23 jewel movement, gorgeous dial, and railroad-style hands all in excellent condition. When you hold this watch in your hand, you can feel the weight of history, the passage of time. That it still exists in such excellent condition speaks to the indomitable spirit of humanity, pressing on into adversity, into time, standing as a testament to those who came before us.