One of the iconic American pocket watch companies was American Watch Co., later known as Waltham for the city in which it was founded.

In 1860, as President Abraham Lincoln was elected, the country was in Civil War. Production ground to a halt. However, the company decided to downsize to the lowest possible level to keep the factory open. It worked: In honor of his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln became the proud owner of a Waltham Model 1857 "Wm. Ellery" pocket watch, the same model offered here today.

President Lincoln's watch was made in January 1863.

What's remarkable is that according to the company's handwritten ledger, this Waltham Model 1857 "Wm. Ellery" watch, the same model given to President Lincoln, was made in a run of watches made from December 1862 through January 1863. Nearly a couple of dozen Civil War Walthams have passed through our halls over the years, but this is the closest production date to Lincoln's we have ever had - the very same month! (see a photo of the page below).

Here is a little more about it...

* Heavy silver hunting case with a shield type motif on the front and nicely decorated case band in excellent condition. Many of these had plain case bands.

* Original porcelain dial

* Large 18 size, measuring 54.5mm in diameter

* Key wound movement with winding key

* Engine has a diamond end stone protecting the most import pivot

* All original parts with original and correct Waltham case. The American Watch Co. marking of this example's case has a delightful simple charm and is something that we don't recall ever seeing before.

When this watch was being crafted in late 1862 and early 1863, the United States was in the firm grip of the Civil War. In December 1862, the nation reeled from the devastating Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862), where Union forces under Major General Ambrose Burnside suffered a crushing defeat against Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s entrenched army. The staggering loss — more than 12,000 Union casualties — sent shockwaves through the North, dampening morale as winter set in.

Meanwhile, in the White House, President Abraham Lincoln was preparing to take one of the boldest steps in American history. On January 1, 1863, just weeks after Fredericksburg, the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, declaring enslaved people in Confederate-held territories to be free. Though its immediate impact was limited geographically, it transformed the war into a moral crusade against slavery and ensured that any hope of foreign intervention on behalf of the Confederacy would be politically untenable.

In daily life, both Union and Confederate citizens endured shortages, inflation, and uncertainty. Railroads carried troops and supplies through snow-covered landscapes, factories churned out arms and uniforms, and newspapers across the country carried news from the front. Against this turbulent backdrop, skilled watchmakers in the North continued to produce fine timepieces — practical necessities for soldiers, railroad men, and civilians alike. A watch made in these months would have ticked through a turning point in American history, keeping time as the nation’s course shifted toward freedom and eventual reunification.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled the watch down to its last screw and serviced it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Kindly note that these were not highly jeweled watches, and after 150 years the movements generally have some wear from use. But after our expertly done complete servicing, ours is running and keeping very accurate time for one of these watches, running within approx. 1-2 seconds per hour.

Photos of the inside available upon request. Accompanying the watch is a key.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

This is 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.: 63,534
Date finished: December 1862 - January 1863
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Silver
Case markings (inside): American Watch Co.
Case condition: Honest original condition with age appropriate wear. The front lids presents very nicely, and the decoration on the band is still quite strong. The back has light rippling and dings.
Dimensions: 54.5mm diameter (excluding the crown)
Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, virtually flawless condition - presents as mint to the naked eye through the crystal
Hands: Original, blue steel, spades
Movement markings: Wm. Ellery, Waltham, Mass., 63,534
Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled the watch down to its last screw and serviced it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running and keeping very accurate time for one of these watches, running within approx. 1-2 seconds per hour. Kindly note that these were not highly jeweled watches, and after 150 years the movements generally have some wear from use. But after our expertly done complete servicing, ours is running and keeping very accurate time for one of these watches, running within approx. 1-2 seconds per hour.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty.
Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; KEY - Winding/setting key
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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