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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.
Two-tone movements were a mark of exceptional craftsmanship—first finished in nickel and then flashed with gilt. The added process made them more costly to produce, and as a result, relatively few were completed this way. This 1896 Waltham Seaside showcases a stunning two-tone finish that has been carefully preserved and restored to near perfection. The gilt accents shimmer with a warm golden glow that shifts beautifully with the light, while the underlying nickel plates reflect a cool, silvery contrast. Together they create a dynamic interplay of tone and texture rarely seen in vintage American watchmaking. Because improper servicing can easily tarnish or strip away the gilt layer, surviving examples with this level of preservation are exceedingly rare. The movement hardware has been thermally colored by hand, adding subtle depth and definition to each component (read more here). On the dial side, an elegant porcelain-enamel dial features a flowing cursive Waltham signature, crisp Roman numerals, and a finely detailed minute track. The composition feels balanced and refined, with restored spade hands thermally colored to an iridescent blue that provides striking contrast against the white enamel.
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: 1896
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: 7608095
Water Resistance: 5 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.