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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 piece features a movement finish that we rarely encounter in person—gilt finished and decorated with damaskeening (Geneva stripes). Most gilt finished timepieces do not receive damaskeening at all, or the gilt is paired with nickel in a two tone format. A full gilt movement further adorned with damaskeening is a true sight to behold. Light moves across the plates in a warm, almost fluid way that nickel can never replicate, and the blued movement components provide striking contrast against the gold tones beneath. In our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop, every surface was restored by hand. Screws and steel hardware were individually heat blued over an open flame (read more here), and each jewel setting, gear train component, balance, and balance weight was polished to return its vivid golden tone. The gilt finish had heavy tarnish when it arrived and was carefully revived to bring back its warm sheen. The porcelain enamel dial is equally elegant, with curved numerals on the 2, 3, 5, and 9. The minute track uses bold markers at five minute intervals and triangles at each fifteen minute mark. The Waltham signature is graceful and gently curved across the center. The hands were restored by polishing to a mirror finish and then slowly heating each hand over an alcohol lamp, producing deep iridescent blue hues that sit in beautiful contrast with the white enamel surface. A classic American look through and through.
The timepiece is housed in our 40 mm surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case—one of the most balanced and wearable sizes for any American conversion. The case features both crown and caseback gaskets, offering water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is best to remove the watch before swimming or submerging it in water. Fully serviced and tested, the piece is ready for years of reliable performance and everyday wear.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 250 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: 1903
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 48 mm
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 12756097
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.