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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.
Completed in 1891 in Waltham, Massachusetts, this piece carries one of the more striking porcelain enamel dials we have seen. A series of floral motifs span the center, each set with a fired-in jewel that shifts with the light as the watch moves. These jewels were fused directly into the enamel during manufacture, an uncommon technique encountered on American dials. Fired-in jewels also mark each five minute interval along the outer minute track, adding subtle points of color that frame the black Arabic numerals. The AWWCo Waltham signature ties the dial directly to the period in which it was made and matches the American Waltham Watch Company signature on the movement. Inside is Walthams Grade H movement, an 11 jewel caliber produced from 1891 to 1894. This example comes from the very first year of production and is one of the oldest movements we have ever converted. The exposed mainspring barrel is finished in a warm rose gold tone, paired with classic damaskeening across the plates. All jewel settings, the gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original depth and sheen. Screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional finishing method that provides both contrast and corrosion resistance (read more here). Housed in our 40 mm stainless steel case, this 1891 Waltham represents a rare intersection of early American watchmaking and detailed artistic work in porcelain enamel. More than a century later, the piece feels both historically significant and visually compelling, fully restored in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop.
The timepiece is housed in our 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: 1891
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)
Jewels: 11 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: 5505833
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.