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: 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 Waltham, that according to the company's hand-written ledger, was made in August of 1864 (see a photo of the page below). Here is a little more about it...

• Handsome and very fine condition period nickel 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 during several key campaigns and continues through Lincoln's nomination for re-election on June 8, 1864 and culminates in August. In March, Ulysses S. Grant assumed command of all Union Armies in the field. Later that month the Red River campaign began. Throughout April and May battles were fought including a couple important battles in Virginia and the start of the Atlanta campaign which ended on September 1. June and July had key battles fought like, the Battle of Brice's Crossroads, Mississippi; the Assault on Petersburg, Virginia; the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; the Battle of Monocacy, Maryland; battles near Tupelo, Mississippi; the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia, and many others.

Its period correct nickel case, a recase, bears is in beautiful condition. Its wonderful enamel dial presents as mint to the naked eye.

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 its original or 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.: 123,868
• Date manufacturing finished: August 1864
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Nickel
• Case markings: 539423, Silveroid
• Case condition: Presents as just short of mint
• Dimensions: 56mm diameter (excluding the crown)
• Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, presents as mint condition to the naked eye
• Hands: Blue steel "spades"
• Movement markings: P.S. Bartlett, Waltham, Mass., 123,868
• 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 concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; KEY - Original or period 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