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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 1895 Waltham brings together two standout features seldom found in a single piece: a well preserved two tone Grade K movement and a porcelain enamel private label dial commissioned for CAW Crosby and Son in Boston. The pairing of a premium gilt flashed movement with a jeweler specific dial suggests this was originally sold as an elevated offering through a nineteenth century Boston storefront, and it still carries that elevated character today. The two tone movement is a striking example of Waltham finishing at its peak. The base plates were machined in nickel and then selectively flashed with warm gilt, creating alternating fields of gold and silver that shift beautifully with the light. The original movement screws were thermally blued by Waltham at the time of manufacture, a premium upgrade that added crisp visual contrast and demonstrated the level of care put into their higher grade work. Seeing this kind of factory bluing preserved is part of what inspired us to pursue and perfect this traditional technique in our own workshop. During restoration, we thermally colored the regulator, arbor, and case screws by hand here in Little Rock, Arkansas to complement the period bluing and bring cohesion back to the overall finish (read more here). Because the gilt layer is extremely delicate and easily damaged during service, surviving examples with this level of definition are not often found. The dial adds its own layer of rarity and provenance. Instead of a standard factory signature, this porcelain enamel dial carries the flowing cursive private label ‘CAW Crosby and Son Boston’. Waltham produced these dials in limited runs for individual jewelers, making intact examples far less common than their factory counterparts. This one remains exceptional with no chips, cracks, or hairlines, and the signature gives the layout a refined nineteenth century presence. Restored spade hands, finished to a deep iridescent blue, complete a clean, balanced, and historically meaningful composition.
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: 1895
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
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: 6912935
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.