Waltham Appleton Tracy & Co from 1888

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 timepiece was crafted in Waltham, Massachusetts and completed in 1888. The Waltham timepiece features the Grade Appleton Tracy & Co movement—a fine example of Waltham’s craftsmanship during the late 1800s. The movement has been fully restored and refinished, highlighted by stylish blue accents on the screws and movement hardware, achieved through precise thermal coloring by hand. The watch hands have been meticulously restored using the same process to achieve an even blue hue that contrasts beautifully with the white dial. The Waltham dial is porcelain-enamel, in excellent condition and features elegant Roman numerals. This is the quintessential example of American watchmaking and the reason it was held in such high regard.

The timepiece is enclosed in its original coin silver hunter case. A press of the crown smoothly opens the front of the case to a precise 90 degrees, allowing easy viewing of the time. When not in use, the solid front and back bezels shield the watch from the elements and protect it from potential damage, whether on a desk or in a pocket. This design represents the pinnacle of American watch case craftsmanship—combining functionality, durability, and elegance in a way that set the standard for timepieces of its era. The hunter case, with its precision engineering and protective features, exemplifies the height of innovation and quality that defined American watchmaking at the time.

Watch Performance

• Accuracy: +/- 1 minute per day

• Amplitude: 250 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: 1888

• Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)

• Jewels: 15 jewels

• Case Diameter: 55 mm

• Case diameter with crown: 80 mm

• Height: 19 mm

• Front Crystal: Mineral

• Original Case Included: Yes, coin silver hunter case, 90% silver

• Serial Number: 3837559

• Water Resistance: No

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

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