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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.
The heart of this 1898 Waltham timepiece is its 15-jewel Seaside grade movement—crafted in Waltham, Massachusetts, and produced between 1896 and 1912. It features an exposed mainspring barrel and a nickel finish adorned with elegant damaskeening, a decorative engine-turned pattern that gives the plates a sense of motion and depth. Each component was restored with extraordinary care: screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame (read more here), while the jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to revive their original golden luster. The porcelain-enamel dial is equally captivating—beautifully preserved with crisp black numerals, red minute markers around the perimeter, and the Waltham signature rendered in graceful cursive script. Its balanced proportions and sharp detailing make it both functional and refined, a perfect complement to the restored movement within. The hands were re-blued using traditional thermal coloring to achieve a deep, even tone that provides striking contrast against the white enamel dial, completing the period-correct presentation of this remarkable piece.
The timepiece is housed in a surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case with a 40 mm diameter—offering one of the best fits for any conversion available. The case includes both caseback and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before engaging in water activities. The watch comes fully serviced and ready for your next adventure.
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 (flawless)
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: 8433789
Water Resistance: 5 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.