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.
The dial of this 1930 Waltham timepiece is nothing short of epic, showcasing a dramatic black-and-gold design where the numerals are rendered in deep black with golden outlines. To top it off, the original heat-plum hands bring a subtle plum hue, creating a striking combination—gold, black, and plum have never looked so good together. Crafted in Waltham, Massachusetts, this watch is powered by the grade No 1235 movement—a 17-jewel Waltham in-house caliber produced from 1924 to 1934. Movement components were carefully refinished with blue accents on the screws and hardware using precise, hand-applied thermal treatment—a traditional watchmaking technique that enhances both corrosion resistance and visual appeal (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were each individually hand-polished to restore their original golden luster and sheen. Completing the artistry, the dial features a rare secometer complication, where the passage of seconds is shown by the smooth rotation of a disc marked with second indices. Ticking five times per second, the secometer disc glides effortlessly—an absolutely captivating detail to experience in person.
The timepiece is encased in a 316L stainless steel wristwatch conversion case, designed with adjustable lugs for easy winding and setting, ensuring a comfortable fit across various wrist sizes. The case includes front, back, and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before engaging in water activities. The timepiece comes fully serviced and ready for your next adventure.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 275 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Secometer
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Waltham
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Year Manufactured: 1930
Dial Material: Metal
Jewels: 17 jewels
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 22 mm
Lug to Lug: 47 mm (adjusts to wrist size)
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 27142938
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.