In 1860, as President Abraham Lincoln was elected, the country headed toward Civil War, watch production by Waltham, also known as the "American Watch Co." ground almost to a halt. However, the company decided to downsize to the lowest possible level to keep the factory open and the business continuing. It worked: Upon his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln became the proud owner of a Waltham watch. President Lincoln's watch - made in January 1863 - resides in the collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian.
We are very pleased to offer today this Civil War era Waltham, that according to the company's hand-written ledger, was made in February of 1861 (see a photo of the page below). It was made as part of a small run of only 50 watches of this model. Here is a little more about it...
- Pleasing 3 ounce. silver decorate case
- Original porcelain dial that presents beautifully with blue steel hands
- Large 18 size, measuring a full 56mm in diameter
- Key wound movement with winding key
The time period this watch was being manufactured aligns closely with key events leading up the start of the war - the secession of seven southern States in December of 1860 and January of 1861; the southern states that seceded creating a government at Montgomery, Alabama, and the formation of the Confederate States of America; and Jefferson Davis' appointment as the first President of Confederate States of America.
Its three ounce silver case is finely decorated and in honest condition. Its honest enamel dial presents very nicely - it has one fleck and a couple of small hairlines - it's near mint.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Amazingly after more than 150 years, It continues to keep accurate time. Accompanying it is a period key.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
This a rare opportunity to own an exciting historical timepiece from a prominent American watchmaker.
- Manufacturer: American Watch Co./Waltham
- Country of origin: U.S.A.
- Serial no.: 36,851
- Date manufacturing finished: February 1861
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Coin silver
- Case markings: D & Co., 61852
- Case condition: Excellent honest condition with light wear and one small light ding. Possibly a recase. A couple protrusions on the cuvette (inside dust cover)
- Dimensions: 56mm diameter (excluding the crown)
- Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, one small edge flake and a couple of short light hairlines - near mint condition
- Hands: Original, blue steel "spades"
- Movement markings: Appleton Tracy & Co., Waltham, Mass., 36,851
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: One-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; KEY - Period winding/setting key
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
