Waltham Airplane Race 14K

This watch was presented to First Lieutenant F.W. Flake of the U.S. Army Air Service for participation in the International Aerial Derby held in August of 1919. The race was sponsored by the American Flying Club and the Aero Club of Canada and was held over several days on a 1,000 mile round trip course between New York and Toronto. The race was started simultaneously in New York and Toronto by U.S. Army General Billy Mitchell and the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VIII. John Bowman, owner of the Hotel Commodore in New York offered $10,000 in prize money. Although ineligible to win the cash prizes, several U.S. Army Air Service pilots flew in the race and the Air Service provided logistical support at numerous locations along the race course. At least some U.S. Army Air Service personnel were awarded these solid gold watches. Lieutenant Flake served in the French Army and also in the U.S. Army 643rd Aero Squadron in World War I and after. He remained connected with the Army for most of his life and served as an intelligence officer with the U.S. Army Signal Corps at the end of his career. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This watch has a solid 14K yellow gold case made by Depollier of New York, which had an exclusive arrangement with Waltham to sell complete watches with Waltham movements and Depollier cases. So far, only one other example of these special gold International Aerial Derby presentation watches is known to exist. This example is in excellent condition showing only light wear. Hinged caseback is excellent. The case measures 38mm long and 32mm wide. Has new glass crystal. Glass enamel dial is superb. The watch is powered by a 15-jewel Waltham grade 365 manual wind movement, just serviced and running strong.