RARE WW II U.S. NAVY
ROSS BROTHERS
WATCH
& Carrying Case
Presented is a very rare WW II Roth Brothers deck watch housed
in a chronometer type case so that it is sometimes referred to in that fashion. Inside, it has an antique Waltham
Crescent 17 Jewel movement that dates from 1892-93 that should be wound daily. The US Navy contracted with
Roth Bros., of NYC, to install high quality pocket watch movements in seagoing cases because of the shortage
of time pieces at the beginning of WW II. The Navy bought all they could get of these until production of the Hamilton 21
was ramped up to meet the wartime demand.The chronometer deck watch is housed in a traditional three section
varnished wood case with full gimbal mounts. It is complete with its original carrying case.
Three tier Chronometer Case & Gimbals
Complete with carrying
caseThe Waltham Crescent maker’s name and serial number 6,004,408 dates
from 1892-93. The clock has recently been serviced by a master clock smith with 30 years experience, and its
main spring was replaced.
Illinois
dial
Complete with carrying
caseWhat is special about this example is:
- Excellent condition considering its age and war time service
- Complete with original carrying case
- Is keeping excellent time
BRIEF HISTORY: Two companies, M. Low and Roth Bros.,
both of NYC, were installing high quality pocket watch movements in seagoing cases under USN contracts. The Navy bought all
the could get of these until production of the Hamilton 21 was ramped up to meet the wartime demand.Marvin Whitney in his definitive work, Military Timepieces, discusses the small boxed
chronometers that were assembled early in the War by Roth Brothers, New York to satisfy this demand. Whitney
identifies companies such as Hamilton, Elgin and Waltham as being used by them. The movements were repackaged
in heavy weight brass tubs and fitted to plain chronometer style, five inch square, three tier, gimbaled cases with
a strapped carrying case included. All these pocket watches carried the name of the movement’s maker on the dial as their
only identification. Roth also supplied similar movements in a bronze bulkhead (wall) mount with its name prominently
imprinted on the dial, but it did not put their name on any part of the assembly for those in a chronometer style
housing.
PROVENANCE: This clock, owned by a family, was
sold to help pay for expenses. It was said that “we cherished this clock”.THE MOVEMENT’s CONDITION: This is an excellent
watch for ita age, and which has seen service at sea. It is keeping time well within its rated specs. The
plastic crystal is cracked at its edge between the 2 and 3 o’clock position. This cannot always be seen. The
12 hour dial is sharp and distinct. The lacquered finish on the metal work shows some slight signs of deterioration and
is about 90 percent remains.The main spring has been replaced and runs for about 30 hours on one winding. Time is
set by pulling the winding knob outCASES CONDITION: Both
cases are in excellent condition and look almost like new. The carrying case’s interior is padded with green felt
that also shows as new. The leather strap is well worn, but usable.
INSIDE CASE DIMENSIONS:
5″ squareCARRYING CASE DIMENSIONS: 7 1/4″ squareCOMBINED WEIGHT:
10 pounds
This is a great example of
a complete ROTH BROS. WW II U.S. Navy deck watch with carrying case, and should appeal to someone wanting
only the most unusual and desirable.
International
buyers welcome, but must inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin
Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece,
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand,
Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
NO NONSENSE WARRANTY: We
guarantee that this clock will be working on arrival and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The
only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three days, and that the instrument is returned in its
original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value. Shipping charges within the continental United States are
included in this offer if the error is ours. This does not affect our policy on shipping damage which is discussed below.PACKAGING: We take great care
in packaging our clocks for shipment which includes bubble wrap, placing in a box, and then placing in a larger box surrounded
by impact absorbent material. However, we are not responsible, once it is turned over to the carrier. Full Value insurance
is required. In the event of damage due to shipping we will assist you in all respects even to filing a claim in your behalf.
ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire
transfer, cashier’s check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers,
no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.
Buy this great antique U.S. Navy rated ship’s deck watch! It is a superior
example of a rare WWII timepiece, and a worthy addition for your desk, mantle, collection or as important gift.
II U.S. NAVY ROSS BROTHERS
& Carrying Case
Presented
is a very rare WW II Roth Brothers deck watch housed in a chronometer type case so that it is sometimes referred
to in that fashion. Inside, it has an antique Waltham Crescent 17 Jewel movement that dates from 1892-93 that
should be wound daily. The US Navy contracted with Roth Bros., of NYC, to install high quality pocket watch
movements in seagoing cases because of the shortage of time pieces at the beginning of WW II. The Navy bought all they
could get of these until production of the Hamilton 21 was ramped up to meet the wartime demand.The chronometer deck watch
is housed in a traditional three section varnished wood case with full gimbal mounts. It is
complete with its original carrying case.
Three tier Chronometer Case
& Gimbals
Complete with carrying caseThe Waltham Crescent
maker’s name and serial number 6,004,408 dates from 1892-93. The clock has recently
been serviced by a master clock smith with 30 years experience, and its main spring was replaced.
Illinois dial
Complete with carrying caseWhat is special
about this example is:
- Excellent condition
considering its age and war time service- Complete with original
carrying case- Is keeping excellent
timeBRIEF
HISTORY: Two companies, M. Low and Roth Bros., both of NYC, were installing high quality pocket watch movements
in seagoing cases under USN contracts. The Navy bought all the could get of these until production of the Hamilton 21 was
ramped up to meet the wartime demand.Marvin Whitney in his definitive work, Military
Timepieces, discusses the small boxed chronometers that were assembled early in the War by Roth Brothers, New York to
satisfy this demand. Whitney identifies companies such as Hamilton, Elgin and Waltham as being used by
them. The movements were repackaged in heavy weight brass tubs and fitted to plain chronometer style, five
inch square, three tier, gimbaled cases with a strapped carrying case included. All these pocket watches carried the name
of the movement’s maker on the dial as their only identification. Roth also supplied similar movements in a bronze bulkhead
(wall) mount with its name prominently imprinted on the dial, but it did not put their name on any part of
the assembly for those in a chronometer style housing.
PROVENANCE: This clock, owned by a family, was sold to help pay for expenses. It was
said that “we cherished this clock”.THE MOVEMENT’s CONDITION: This is an excellent watch for ita age,
and which has seen service at sea. It is keeping time well within its rated specs. The plastic crystal is cracked
at its edge between the 2 and 3 o’clock position. This cannot always be seen. The 12 hour dial is sharp
and distinct. The lacquered finish on the metal work shows some slight signs of deterioration and is about 90 percent remains.The
main spring has been replaced and runs for about 30 hours on one winding. Time is set by pulling the winding
knob outCASES CONDITION: Both cases are in excellent condition
and look almost like new. The carrying case’s interior is padded with green felt that also shows as new. The leather
strap is well worn, but usable.
INSIDE CASE DIMENSIONS: 5″ squareCARRYING CASE DIMENSIONS: 7 1/4″ squareCOMBINED WEIGHT:
10 pounds