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American Waltham Watch Co. was in operation from 1852-1957 and was an American pocket watch manufacturer. Manufacturing of Waltham watches took place at their facility in Waltham, Massachusetts.
This original Waltham porcelain-enamel dial represents the pinnacle of American railroad watchmaking, when clarity, precision, and legibility were paramount. The Waltham signature combines cursive and non-cursive lettering, blending two distinct styles. While later Waltham dials typically feature just the Waltham name, earlier examples often incorporate the full American Waltham signature, reflecting the company's historical branding. Bold Arabic numerals line the dial, accompanied by an outer railroad minute track with prominent indices every five minutes. Along the perimeter, red five-minute numerals add contrast and reinforce the dial's railroad heritage. The overall design is exceptionally legible and represents some of the finest American railroad dial styling of the period. The original heat-blued spade hands have not been restored and retain their original finish, providing exceptional contrast against the white of the dial.
Beneath the dial is Waltham’s No. 65 grade movement, produced in the late 1800s. The movement features intricate damaskeening across the plates, creating a dynamic appearance that changes as the light moves across the surface. Every component was carefully restored by hand. The screws and steel hardware were thermally blued using traditional methods to improve corrosion resistance while adding depth and contrast (read more here). The jewel chatons, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden tone. At just 36 mm, the watch offers the proportions and wearability of a modern dress watch while preserving the character, craftsmanship, and charm of a vintage American timepiece.
Housed in our 36 mm conversion case, this timepiece is designed to preserve the elegance of its vintage aesthetic while offering the refined proportions of a modern dress watch. Crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case features both caseback and crown gaskets for enhanced durability and water resistance up to 50 meters (though we recommend removing the watch before water activities). At just 36 mm across with a slim profile, the case wears compact, elegant, and exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. Every piece is fully serviced, meticulously tested, and built for reliable everyday wear.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 265 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Waltham
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Year Manufactured: 1897
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 44 mm
Height: 10 mm
Serial Number: 7201539
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.