The Waltham S16, Riverside Maximus

1899-Riverside Maximus c1903 Courtesy of John Scott

This is one of a series of posts illustrating the main grades of Waltham size 16 watches, primarily the 1899 & 1908 models. Note that specifications did change over time, the description below being typical.

The Maximus grade was reserved for some of the most prestigious watches made by Waltham, although technically the size 16 open faced lever set versions  exceeded the requirements to be a Railroad grade watch, being very similar to the best Vanguards, they were not marketed as such and had enhanced cosmetics. They were also available in open face and hunter configurations and both were available as Lever or Pendant set.

The face of the same watch. Courtesy of John Scott

The movement is in damascened nickel and is adjusted to temperature, isochronism and five positions. The Swiss lever escapement with steel escape wheel has a double roller and a Breguet sprung cut compensating balance with micro adjuster. The train, jewel mounts and balance screws are in gold and it has 23 diamond, fine ruby and sapphire jewels.

The example shown is a Pendant Set 1899 model Riverside Maximus dating from approximately 1903. It is in hunter configuration and in a filled gold half-hunter case.