WALTHAM Crescent
Waltham introduces a signature model embodying a proud history of precision timekeeping expressed through a classic modern design.
Just as the history of navigation inspired the creation of marine chronometers, and the birth of aviation led to the creation of dedicated timekeeping instruments, so too the great railway adventure sparked the invention of watches renowned for their accuracy and their reliability. Waltham was an acknowledged pioneer in this demanding domain, as the first and most highly reputed manufacturer to produce watch movements for railroad purposes. Its models were widely adopted as the official timekeepers by railroad companies in North America and beyond, including India.
Such watches had to meet a number of highly specific criteria, including extreme durability and insensitivity to changes in temperature, climate and altitude, as well as absolute mechanical precision. The latter quality was ensured by the cutting-edge automatic machinery invented in the factory, and the fine adjustment performed in firm’s very own astronomical observatory, while its other valuable properties were tried and tested in expeditions undertaken by the great explorers of the day including Peary and Shackelton, as well as survey and other scientific work for various governments.
Waltham’s “Crescent St.” model (470501-471200), produced in the 1900s and named after the street running next to the site of the original factory, became a high-grade railroad favourite and a benchmark in its field. Well known to specialised connoisseurs, this antique watch remains in demand to this day, along with the superb “Vanguard” model that was subsequently developed and embodied numerous technical improvements guaranteeing even greater precision.
One of the most significant features of Waltham’s railroad watches was their substantial power reserve, often displayed on the dial. This characteristic is picked up in the new Waltham Crescent, equipped with mechanical self-winding La Joux-Perret Calibre 3513, of which the intricate workings can be admired through the sapphire crystal exhibition back.
Officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, this high-precision movement drives central hour, minute and seconds hands, along with the power-reserve indication at 6 o’clock, beautifully counter-balanced by the large date window at 12 o’clock. The Arabic 4 and 8 o’clock numerals, along with the surrounding hour-markers, are coated with a luminescent substance to ensure optimal readability in any lighting.
The elegantly rounded case in white, pink or yellow gold features Waltham’s distinctive curved lugs, a blue spinel cabochon on the crown, as well as a cambered sapphire crystal glare-proofed on both sides to further enhance legibility. This epitome of elegance is secured to the wrist by an alligator leather strap complete with an 18K gold buckle.
Technical details
Model: WALTHAM Crescent
Movement
Self-winding La Joux-Perret 3513, officially certified chronometer (COSC) with rotor in white gold 22K
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, large date, power reserve
Case
750 (18K) white gold, crown set with blue spinel cabochon, cambered sapphire crystal glareproofed both sides, sapphire-crystal open back case glareproofed inside, water-resistant 30m
Dial
Black, arabic numerals at 4 and 8 o’clock and indexes with luminescent coating, large date window at 12 o’clock and power reserve counter at 6 o’clock(SW39-02089WGM)
Strap
Black alligator with a 750 (18K) white gold buckle
Other versions
750 (18K) pink gold 5N case, black dial, black alligator strap with a 750 (18K) pink gold 5N buckle (SW39-02090PGM)
750 (18K) pink gold 5N case, white dial, black alligator strap with a 750 (18K) pink gold 5N buckle (SW39-02091PGM)
750 (18K) yellow gold case, black dial, black alligator strap with a 750 (18K) yellow gold buckle (SW39-02092YGM)
750 (18K) yellow gold case, white dial, black alligator strap with a 750 (18K) yellow gold buckle SW39-02093YGM)
