CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AND APPRAISAL
1 YEAR MECHANICAL WARRANTY
About
Railway watch standards were standardized after a large rail disaster involving multiple trains in 1891 Ohio, which was blamed on the poor timekeeping of an engineer’s pocket watch.
The result was a strict set of rules implemented in 1893 on what constituted an approved railway watch:
" .... be open faced, size 18 or 16, have a minimum of 17 jewels, adjusted to at least 5 positions, keep time accurately to within a gain or loss of only 30 seconds per week, adjusted to temperatures of 34 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, have a double roller, steel escape wheel, lever set, micrometric regulator, winding stem at 12 o'clock, grade on back plate, use plain Arabic numbers printed bold and black on a white dial, and have bold black hands..."
The Veritas we have in the shop today is a fantastic example of the ingenuity that went into the production of these railroad watches. Produced with the finest grade materials, a strengthened frame, and an oversized mainspring, the Veritas earned a reputation as Elgin’s highest grade movement. This particular model, housed in a sterling silver Illinois Watch Case Co. Case, also features a very rare dual-time complication.
Overall a fantastic piece of horological history, this piece would make a fine addition to any collection.
Details
Movement:Type: Manual Wind, Veritas Grade No. 239 (Size 18), 21 jewels
Movement has been inspected and keeps accurate time.
One year mechanical warranty included.Case:53mm (not including crown) sterling silver case with screw-on bezel and back, mineral crystal
Overall condition:In fantastic condition, with minor marks of wear. Crystal is good, with a couple of minor scratches and chips on bevelled edge. Pristine dial with Arabic numeral hours and minutes, blue steel hands and red second hour hand.
