40 mm Waltham Grade K from 1893 with a Railroad Porcelain-enamel 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 1893 in Waltham, Massachusetts, this timepiece represents one of the earliest examples we can convert. Earlier pocket watches relied on key-wind and key-set mechanisms, making them unsuitable for conversion. The original railroad porcelain-enamel dial is in spectacular condition. At its center is an elegant cursive signature reading “American Waltham.” This signature is rare on railroad dials, where the manufacturer's name was more commonly rendered in a traditional, non-cursive typeface, particularly on later examples. The dial features an entirely black design against brilliant white porcelain-enamel, with distinctive Gothic-style Arabic numerals. This is one of the earlier examples of an American railroad dial executed exclusively in black, before the incorporation of contrasting colors became more widespread. The numerals are elegant yet highly legible, while the intricate outer minute track features markings reminiscent of a railroad track. Along the perimeter, the dial is numbered from 5 to 60 in five-minute increments, with numerals that echo the Gothic styling of the hour markers. The sub seconds dial is equally detailed, featuring individual markings for every second and numerals at ten-second intervals. The original spade hands were carefully mirror-polished to remove corrosion before being thermally blued by hand, producing a deep, iridescent blue finish. Against the brilliant white porcelain-enamel dial, the contrast is exceptional. The combination of intricate markings, Gothic numerals, and vibrant blue hands creates a display that is remarkably legible while making even a simple glance at the time a pleasure.

Beneath the dial beats Waltham’s Grade K, a 15-jewel movement produced between 1891 and 1900. This places it among one of the oldest examples we have converted. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel with gilt enamel and finely executed damaskeening. In our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas, every component was carefully restored. The jewel chatons, gear train, balance, and balance weights were hand polished to restore their original brilliance. Each screw and piece of hardware was thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional process that enhances corrosion resistance while adding rich visual contrast (read more here). Encased in our 40 mm stainless steel case, this 1893 Waltham stands as both a tribute to early American craftsmanship and a remarkable intersection of artistry and engineering.

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: 260 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: 1893

• Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel

• 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

• Serial Number: 6015098

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

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