40 mm Waltham Seaside from 1902 with a Braille 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.

This Waltham timepiece features a porcelain-enamel Braille dial with raised indices at each hour, designed to be read by touch. There is a distinct bump at every hour along the perimeter, allowing time to be felt as much as seen. Notably, the dial omits a sub-seconds register, removing the most fragile area—where the seconds hand would normally sit—which is especially prone to damage from repeated contact. The Roman numerals add an elegant layer to the design, creating a striking contrast between function and refinement. Even more remarkable is the condition. Dials like this were meant to be handled regularly and were often exposed to the elements, making survival in near flawless condition exceptionally rare. This is the first example we have encountered in this level of preservation. Crafted in Waltham, Massachusetts, and completed in 1902, this timepiece is powered by Waltham’s 15-jewel Seaside grade, produced between 1896 and 1912. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel and intricate damaskeening that shifts beautifully in the light. Every component was carefully refinished in our workshop. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued by hand through controlled heating over an open flame, a traditional technique that enhances corrosion resistance while adding rich visual contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden sheen. The hands were mirror polished to remove corrosion and then individually thermally colored to impart an iridescent blue hue. A truly one of a kind timepiece, defined by a dial rarely seen and even more rarely preserved like this.

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: 1902

• Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (Barille)

• 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: 11475212

• Water Resistance: 5 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

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