Small American lever watch with rock crystal movement Circa 1890

Gold open faced keyless lever by American Watch Co., Waltham
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A rare small American gold open faced keyless lever watch with rock crystal movement, circa 1890. This watch features a 4 size gilt brass movement equipped with a gold wheel train and crystal bridges. It includes a straight line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and a free sprung Breguet balance spring. The white enamel dial displays black Arabic numerals and outer red five minute divisions, along with gold filigree hands. It is housed in a possibly later gold case with a glazed front and back, and is adorned with decorative engravings on the bezels.
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Diameter: 37 mm
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Signed: A.W. Co., Waltham
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The movement is operational. The case is in good condition and may have been recased. However, advertisement images indicate that rock crystal plates were originally produced in such cases. The dial is in good condition, with a hairline crack between 11 and 12.
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During the late 1880s and early 1890s, William R. Willis, the foreman of the jewel department at the Waltham Watch Company, created rock crystal plate movements. After returning from a vacation in Mexico with a large quantity of agate and rock crystal, it is believed that he crafted approximately 200 stone movements, primarily in size 6, using crystal back plates exclusively. For a detailed article on watches featuring Waltham Crystal Plates, look for additional resources.