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Waltham 14Kt Two Tone "Sapphire" Series Hand Engraved with Original Strap 1927
About the Item
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Octagon
METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Two Tone Solid Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1927
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 34mm Length X 27mm Width
MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber Sapphire 6/0 SIZE
DIAL / HANDS: Two Tone Silvered with Luminous Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel Hands
ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Leather, 16mm / Regular Length
WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT
This rare watch by the legendary house of Waltham is perhaps the only example of watch we have seen. The case is done in Two Tone Gold and entirely hand engraved. It is fitted with one of Waltham's high grade "Sapphire" Series movements. This watch is supplied with what appears to be an original period strap and buckle. We are showing it with the original strap but it is too dried out to actually use. We will install the new lizard strap on it before shipping it out and put the original buckle on it as well.
This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course.
Through the American civil war and two World Wars, and beyond, Waltham's legacy and spirit lives on in this wonderful vintage watch. It is truly a representation of the idea of American Exceptionalism. The wonderfully crafted design is timeless. Even after 100 years or more, this watch can dependably be worn, used and counted on to get you there on time, every time. It is versatile enough to be worn for all types of occasions and various clothes. Wear it with a suit or even for more casual occasions but, certainly, feel confident that you are wearing a piece of history.
The Waltham Watch Company was an American watch manufacturing house founded in 1850 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It was the first American company to mass-produce watches using interchangeable parts. The company's watches were known for their quality and affordability, and they quickly became popular with consumers. Waltham played a major role in the development of the American watch industry as well as establishing the concept of “mass produced” products.
By the way, Henry Ford was a watchmaker, and he was inspired to build cars the same way Waltham Watches were produced, for the masses with interchangeable parts.
Waltham’s success helped to make the United States a major player in the global watch market as well as promote the idea of “industrialization.” Before the Waltham Watch Company, watches were generally produced by hand, in “cottage” industries. They were owned by the wealthier class or the “working class” that needed to know the time. The company's affordable watches made them accessible to a wider range of people and helped to change the way people thought about time. Prior to this, people used their local Church bells to direct them in their daily lives.
The Company continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century. During the American Civil War, they supplied watches to the military, and of course they grew because of this association.
In 1885, they moved their headquarters to Waltham, Massachusetts, and changed their name to the American Waltham Watch Company.
Waltham was a major exhibitor at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The company's exhibit at the exposition was housed in a large pavilion that was designed to resemble a factory. The pavilion was filled with watches of all shapes and sizes, as well as machinery used in the manufacturing process. The exhibit was a major success, and it helped to raise the profile of Waltham watches around the world.
Amongst the visitors at the exhibition was a contingent from Switzerland. When they realized what Waltham was doing, they quickly understood that their methods were outdated and soon enough they would be a country unable to compete. They also went to the Waltham factory for a visit after the exhibition. It is said that they purchased a few of Waltham’s higher grade movements. The director of the factory said he would have them “adjusted” before they left, but they said it was not necessary. When they arrived back in Switzerland, they checked them and were shocked at the level of quality and accuracy. This prompted them to buy some of the equipment that Waltham was using so they could start building better watches that were less expensive and more accurate.
Some of that machinery ended up in the small town of Schaffhausen and became The International Watch Company. They are still in business today making exceptional watches.
The military, for any nation, is a powerful source of revenue for industrial contracts. So, any industry would prosper during war and Waltham continued to be a supplier to the military for over 100 years. Through WW1, WW2 and the Korean war they designed timers, navigational devices, automobiles, aviation and nautical equipment.
The Waltham Watch Company, like many companies, inevitably went through a series of financial difficulties. During the 1920’s they almost went bankrupt because different departments were actually competing against each other for contracts. Some departments had made enough parts for watches to last 20 years. By then of course they would have been useless. There were several restructurings of the powerful entity but eventually in 1957, after producing about 40 million watches, the company was forced to close its doors. However, the company's legacy continues to live on. Waltham watches are still sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and the company's history is an important part of the story of American manufacturing.
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- Movement:
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1927
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. It is worth noting that this watch only had a 12-month warranty when it was new. However, we are so confident of our workmanship and team that we offer an 18-month warranty on all our watches, even those over 100 years old.
- Seller Location:Long Beach, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 13681stDibs: LU422323152372

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METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow and White Gold / Hand Engraved
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Waltham 14Kt. Solid Gold Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from 1910
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METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold
CIRCA YEAR: 1910
DIMENSIONS: 30mm X 28mm
MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels
DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Arabic Luminous Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands
ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator 14mm / Regular Length
WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement.
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Waltham 14kt, Solid Gold Art Deco Lady's Watch with Original Crown from 1936
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Waltham 14Kt. Gold Campaign Style Watch from 1915 with Original Enamel Dial 1929
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Campaign Style
METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1929
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diameter 31mm
MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber 3/0
DIAL / HANDS: Original Kiln Fired with Luminous Arabic Numerals / Original Blued Steel Luminous Hands
ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 14mm / Regular Length
WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT
Just around the corner from the global stock market crash, this watch came to be. What a great and original Waltham Watch this is. We seldom see watches from this era in such fine condition. Imagine navigating your modern day with a nearly 100 year old device (I wear a watch from 1919 every day and it always gets me there on time). This piece is fitted with a solid gold case by America's finest case maker, Depollier. They made custom cases for all the finest American watch companies, including those renowned Swiss houses imported to America. The watch is also fitted with its original and flawless Kiln Fired Enamel Dial and it still has its original Blued Steel Luminous Hands as well. Lastly, it appears to have its original crown as well. The watch keeps dependable time and can be worn all the time as well. You will likely never see another truly vintage American Watch in finer condition than this one.
Through the American civil war and two World Wars, and beyond, Waltham's legacy and spirit lives on in this wonderful vintage watch. It is truly a representation of the idea of American Exceptionalism. The wonderfully crafted design is timeless. Even after 100 years or more, this watch can dependably be worn, used and counted on to get you there on time, every time. It is versatile enough to be worn for all types of occasions and various clothes. Wear it with a suit or even for more casual occasions but, certainly, feel confident that you are wearing a piece of history.
The Waltham Watch Company was an American watch manufacturing house founded in 1850 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It was the first American company to mass-produce watches using interchangeable parts. The company's watches were known for their quality and affordability, and they quickly became popular with consumers. Waltham played a major role in the development of the American watch industry as well as establishing the concept of “mass produced” products.
By the way, Henry Ford was a watchmaker, and he was inspired to build cars the same way Waltham Watches were produced, for the masses with interchangeable parts.
Waltham’s success helped to make the United States a major player in the global watch market as well as promote the idea of “industrialization.” Before the Waltham Watch Company, watches were generally produced by hand, in “cottage” industries. They were owned by the wealthier class or the “working class” that needed to know the time. The company's affordable watches made them accessible to a wider range of people and helped to change the way people thought about time. Prior to this, people used their local Church bells to direct them in their daily lives.
The Company continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century. During the American Civil War, they supplied watches to the military, and of course they grew because of this association.
In 1885, they moved their headquarters to Waltham, Massachusetts, and changed their name to the American Waltham Watch Company.
Waltham was a major exhibitor at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The company's exhibit at the exposition was housed in a large pavilion that was designed to resemble a factory. The pavilion was filled with watches of all shapes and sizes, as well as machinery used in the manufacturing process. The exhibit was a major success, and it helped to raise the profile of Waltham watches around the world.
Amongst the visitors at the exhibition was a contingent from Switzerland. When they realized what Waltham was doing, they quickly understood that their methods were outdated and soon enough they would be a country unable to compete. They also went to the Waltham factory for a visit after the exhibition. It is said that they purchased a few of Waltham’s higher grade movements. The director of factory said he would have them “adjusted” before they left, but they said, it was not necessary. When they arrived back in Switzerland, they checked them and were shocked at the level of quality and accuracy. This prompted them to buy some of the equipment that Waltham was using so they could start building better watches that were less expensive and more accurate.
Some of that machinery ended up in the small town of Schaffhausen and became The International Watch Company. They are still in business today making exceptional watches.
The military, for any nation, is a powerful source of revenue for industrial contracts. So, any industry would prosper during war and Waltham continued to be a supplier to the military for over 100 years. Through WW 1...
Category
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STYLE / REFERENCE: Midas Series / Art Deco Tank
METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 22mm X Width 33mm
MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 982M
DIAL / HANDS: Original Two Tone in Sterling Silver with 18Kt. Solid Gold Applied Numerals
ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length
WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement
This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course.
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT
This is a great looking and dependable watch by this legendary American House from Lancaster Pennsylvania. This watch is offered with what appears to be an original period Alligator strap and an original Hamilton buckle and box. While the strap is to fragile to be practical it does indicate that this watch is in nearly new condition.
Hamilton was devoted to excellence from their most modest watch to their finest. For example, Hamilton Dials were made in all Sterling Silver with Solid Gold 18Kt. Applied Numerals. No American house did this on all their watches. Only the finest Swiss houses had this level of quality. This watch will keep dependable time for the next 200 years if you give it a service every so often.
Hamilton History
The wrong train, on the wrong track, at the wrong time at the end of the 19th century frequently resulted in disastrous train wrecks. In response to the critical need for accuracy on the nation’s railroads, laws were passed in 1891 establishing set standards of accuracy.
All engineers and railroad workers were required to purchase and maintain their watches to keep accurate time based on set standards, about 30 seconds per week was the tolerance.
This was the inspiration for The Hamilton Watch Company which was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was started by a group of investors who were looking to create a high-quality, American-made watch. Hamilton quickly became a leading manufacturer of pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, the company was supplying watches to the US military.
In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch quickly became popular with both soldiers and civilians recognizing how practical they were. Hamilton continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and by the 1940s, the company was one of the largest watchmakers in the world.
Hamilton had exceptional engineers and designers and their watches were elegantly styled as well as dependable. As a watchmaker myself I consider Hamilton to be one of the worlds “best” watches. It was mass produced perfection. Even today, you can take 100 old Hamilton’s of the same model apart and shake them up in a bag and reassemble 100 watches that will work perfectly with almost no adjustment. This is an achievement.
In the early 1930’s our family store in Los Angeles was a “Hamilton” Store. Even during the depression though Hamilton did not allow you to discount the price to sell a watch. Also, in the neighborhood was another Hamilton store and one day the owner sent in a “shill” to buy a Hamilton from us, someone gave them a slight discount. Well, that was all it took for Hamilton to “pull the line” from us. In those days the local jewelry supply houses sold you the watches and they were all told not to sell to us. We simply contacted Gruen, and they were very excited to have a new account...
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