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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 watch announces itself loudly, immediately projecting a design language rooted in early military timekeeping. The porcelain-enamel dial is stark and purposeful, finished in crisp white with bold black numerals laid out for maximum legibility rather than decoration. The block-letter WALTHAM signature reinforces that utilitarian intent, giving the dial a character that feels closer to field-issued instruments than to the decorative pocket watches of the turn of the century. That military impression is reinforced by the handset. The spade-and-whip combination is an uncommon pairing on this movement and leans heavily toward practicality, echoing the forms that would later define WWI-era wristwatches. Both hands were polished down to a mirror finish and then re-blued by hand over an alcohol lamp, a traditional watchmaking technique that restores deep color, contrast, and durability while remaining true to period-correct craftsmanship. Behind the dial sits a movement with equal historical weight. Completed in 1900 in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States, this piece is powered by the Seaside grade from the Waltham Watch Company. The Seaside is a 15-jewel movement produced between 1896 and 1912, featuring an exposed mainspring barrel and damaskeening that adds subtle motion and depth across the plates. Screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional process that enhances durability while producing a vivid iridescent finish (read more here). Each jewel setting, gear train component, balance, and balance weight was individually polished to restore the movements original warm golden glow.
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: 270 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: 1900
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: 10179496
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.