The Waltham “Crescent Street” Watch: What’s in a Name?
By 
The American Watch Company debuted the first “Crescent Street” movement in March 1870 as a watch designed for railway service and advertised as the “American Railroad Watch.” The “Crescent Street” represented the grand ambitions of the watch company, aiming to dominate the growing need for precise railroad watches.
The Locomotive Engineers’ Monthly Journal, June 1870
When the company attempted to find a name for the new railroad watch, inspiration was found just beyond the front door. The factory of the American Watch Company in Waltham was located on Crescent Street, aptly named for the moon-shaped curve directed by the banks of the Charles River.
Interestingly, the company did not register “Crescent St.” as an official trademark until 1911. The application acknowledged the factory location at “Nos. 161-215 Crescent Street” in Waltham and claimed usage since “May 1870” despite advertisements being published as early as April and March 1870.
Nathan, what a wonderful success you’re research and knowledge has been for all of us watch collectors. Thank you so much for your incredible research and open format that we can all add to and benefit from for our hobby.
God Bless my friend,
Craig in Tiffin, Ohio
PS: I am a retired engineering instructor-teacher who collects and does free repair on clocks and pocket watches. What a fun and fulfilling hobby this has been (since 1974).
Thanks for the kind words, Craig!
Evening…
Thank you for this interesting and inspiring article so well researched & written.
I own a size 16 Waltham “Crescent Street” in unusually nice condition. It lives in a J. Boss -Keystone full Hunter case.
God Bless, Happy Holiday Greetings…
Sincerely,
Dave Stelling