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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 1898 Waltham brings together two elements that feel naturally paired: our Heritage Bronze case and a two tone American movement. Our Heritage Bronze case is carved from a bronze alloy containing 93% copper, giving it warm rose gold undertones that deepen with wear. It is a living finish that slowly develops a natural patina, gaining character over time. That evolving surface pairs beautifully with movements that already carry a blend of golden gilt tones and silver nickel. The dial adds another layer of elegance. It is porcelain enamel and in its most classic form, with clean Roman numerals and a crisp cursive Waltham signature at the center. The layout is balanced and refined. The original heat blued hands provide striking contrast against the white dial and remain one of the most captivating elements of the piece. Beneath the dial sits a two tone Waltham movement, a finish that was both technically demanding and visually distinctive. The base plates were first finished in nickel, then selectively flashed with gilt to create alternating silver and gold fields that shift in changing light. In our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas, every jewel setting, gear train component, and balance element was individually hand polished to restore their original golden tone. All screws and steel hardware were thermally colored one by one over an open flame, using slow controlled heat to achieve deep bluing while improving corrosion resistance (read more here). Because the gilt layer is thin and easily damaged during service, surviving examples that retain this level of definition are not common.
The movement is set in a custom 40 mm conversion case crafted from solid bronze. This size offers a balanced fit on the wrist, making it one of the most versatile proportions available in any conversion. The case is built with crown and caseback gaskets, tested to 50 meters of water resistance, though removal before swimming or showering is recommended. Fully serviced and regulated, this watch is ready for years of reliable wear and appreciation.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 300 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: 1898
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: Bronze (will patina)
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 48 mm
Height: 13 mm
Serial Number: 7281530
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.