The model quickly became one of the finest watches that US troops could be seen wearing at the time, being advertised as “the watch in the trenches.” Waltham A11 Navigational Watch Waltham A-11 / Source: River Rat This model was popular with field and marine troops at the time, and even with officers who would have the strap changed. The watch came with a waterproof and dustproof oxidized case which in conjunction with a heat-insulated disk provided protection to the movement. The watch had a distinct military appearance and offered soldiers the option to engrave their personal information in a large clasp located in the 3/4 inch strap. The production of this model started in 1916 for military uses in collaboration with “Jacques Depollier & Son”, another local company that produced high-class cases for Waltham. Waltham Depollier Khaki Waltham Depollier Khaki, 1917, with its original box / Source: HOROLOGIST007 In fact, Waltham’s work with the US government was a big part of its survival, and came to define the company in its later years. These new models offered more convenience and durability amid the chaos of war. The first wristwatches produced by the company came in 1915 for the American Armed Forces. While pocket watches, car and airplane watches, speedometers, and other precision equipment were produced by Waltham and became closely linked to the company during its early years, the company also produced a multitude of wristwatches in its golden age. This model introduced the patented “up and down” power reserve indicator that would become a staple in later years. The production of this model started in 1870 and would become the most popular railroad watch by being used by companies in 52 countries across 5 continents by 1907. Waltham Vanguard Railroad Waltham Vanguard Pocket Watch / Source: Hess Fine Auctions One of these watches with serial number 67613 was given to American President Abraham Lincoln as a tribute at the time of the Gettysburg Address, which was a defining moment in US history. As its name indicates, it was first made in 1857 and it would be the first industrialized watch in the market. This pocket watch is the most iconic of all watches ever produced by the Waltham Watch Company in its earliest years. Most Iconic Waltham Vintage Watches Waltham Pocket Watches Waltham Model 1857 Waltham Pocket Watch Model 1857 / Source: CHWatch In 1981, the Waltham Watch Company would be purchased by Japanese giant Heiwado & co., and become the most popular watch brand in Japan. Apparently, Henry Ford himself visited Waltham for inspiration.īy 1954, more than a century after its birth on American soil, the company expanded by establishing Waltham SA in Switzerland. A high level of production was possible due to Dennison’s innovative use of the assembly line manufacturing process. The company quickly became the world’s leading producer of clocks and watches, employing over 3,000 people and producing more than 40 million timepieces. The History of Waltham: More than 150 Years of Tradition The Industrial and Watchmaking RevolutionsĪaron Dennison, founder of the Waltham Watch CompanyThe company was founded by Aaron Dennison, a watchmaker born in Freeport who had been in the watchmaking business since his 18th birthday.ĭennison would become the father of American mass-production watchmaking when he founded the American Watch Company in 1850, just nine years before it was renamed as the Waltham Watch Company, which is the name that most remember the company as. The Industrial and Watchmaking Revolutions. The History of Waltham: More than 150 Years of Tradition.You can narrow your search by going to one of the following sections, or browse all of our men's Waltham pocket watches further below. The NAWCC also has a comprehensive article about the company additional information may also be found on Wikipedia.įor further information, examples, photos, and notes on how to wear our various styles of watches and watch accessories, please visit our How-To-Wear Guide. The Waltham watch company, which had a variety of locations over the many years it was in operation (including Waltham, Massachusetts), was in business from 1851-1957, and was one of the most prolific of the American watch companies.Īs an additional resource, we've posted a Serial Number Production List which includes information for Waltham serial numbers and dates of manufacture. In this section, you will find a nice selection of vintage Waltham (or the earlier American Waltham Watch Co.) pocket watches that are typically considered gent's size, although in many cases would also be appropriate for a woman to carry.
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