40 mm Waltham Grade K from 1892 – Jeweled Magnolia Dial

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 1892 in Waltham, Massachusetts, this timepiece features one of the most distinctive porcelain-enamel dials we have ever encountered. A floral motif sits just off center, adorned with two pink magnolia blooms—each set with a fired-in jewel that catches light differently as the watch moves. These jewels, likely natural rubies given the 1892 production date, were fused directly into the enamel during its original creation, a technique rarely seen in American watchmaking. The painted landscape and golden accents lend the dial remarkable depth and warmth, while the AWWCo Waltham signature confirms both its origin and early provenance—predating the company’s rebranding to Waltham Watch Company and matching the American Waltham Watch Company signature found on the movement. Beneath this extraordinary dial beats the Waltham Grade K movement, a 15-jewel caliber produced between 1891 and 1900, marking the oldest example we have ever converted. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel, elegant damaskeening, and meticulously hand-polished jewel settings, gear train, and balance components to restore their original brilliance. Each screw and piece of hardware was thermally blued by hand over an open flame—a traditional method that enhances both visual appeal and corrosion resistance (read more here). Encased in our 40 mm stainless steel case, this 1892 Waltham stands as both a tribute to early American craftsmanship and a remarkable intersection of artistry and engineering—preserved and revived more than 130 years after its creation.

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: 1892

• 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: 5710242

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.