Few moments in American history carry the weight and emotion of the years surrounding the Civil War. This early Waltham Model 1857 pocket watch was finalized in October of 1865, only months after the war’s conclusion, though many of its components were almost certainly manufactured while the conflict itself was still unfolding. As such, it is not simply a watch from the Civil War era - it is a tangible artifact that physically bridges wartime America and the nation’s uncertain transition into Reconstruction.

One of the iconic American pocket watch companies was American Watch Co., later known as Waltham for the city in which it was founded. It produced reliable timepieces that became essential tools for soldiers, businessmen, and leaders alike.

In 1860, as President Abraham Lincoln was elected, the country was in Civil War. In the midst of the American Civil War, when the fate of the Union was still uncertain, the American Watch Co. production ground to a near halt. 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 William Ellery model Waltham watch. President Lincoln's watch - made in January 1863 - and it resided in the Rockford Museum until it was stolen in 1977. Another of Lincoln's watches 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 produced in 1865 and finished in October of 1865 (see a photo of the page below).

The period during which this watch and many of its components were produced was one of the most turbulent and transformative in American history. As parts of the movement and case were being manufactured, the Civil War was still actively raging across the country. Rail lines were carrying troops and supplies instead of just commerce, newspapers were filled with battlefield reports from places like Gettysburg, Petersburg, and Atlanta, and the nation’s future remained uncertain. By the time this watch was finalized and entered into Waltham’s factory ledger in October 1865, the war had only recently ended. Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated just six months earlier, soldiers were still returning home, and the country had begun the long and difficult process of Reconstruction.

Precision timekeeping would become increasingly critical in the years that followed, particularly as railroads expanded and American manufacturing accelerated. Waltham was positioned at the forefront of that transformation, pioneering interchangeable-part production methods that would influence not only watchmaking, but American industrial manufacturing as a whole.

It has s a P.S. Bartlett grade movement - one of the better-appointed early grades produced by the American Watch Company. Named after one of the company’s early leaders, the Bartlett grade reflects Waltham’s effort not only to standardize production through interchangeable parts, but to elevate quality and finishing during these formative years. It features an engraved balance cock and blued screws, details that underscore the higher-grade finish of this early American Watch Co. production.

The Appleton, Tracy & Co. signature places this watch firmly within the earliest chapter of the company’s history, before the Waltham name became dominant. Watches bearing this signature represent a transitional moment in American horology - when the company was laying the groundwork for what would become the American system of watch manufacturing.

Here is a little more about it...

* Handsome original coin silver case

* Original porcelain dial that presents beautifully with original blue steel hands

* Large 18 size, measuring approximately a full 54mm in diameter

* Key wound movement with winding key

This example is accompanied by a print-off of factory ledger entry documenting its production in October 1865. These handwritten records are among the most direct surviving links to Waltham’s early operations, and the inclusion of this ledger page ties the watch concretely to the factory floor during this pivotal moment in American history.

Its coin silver case is in honest condition. Its wonderful enamel dial presents in honest condition as well with light fading. It doesn't appear to have any cracks or hairlines at all.

Three of our Master Watchmakers poured countless hours for over 7 years into restoring the movement of this watch to breathe new life into it for many years including sourcing and even fabricating needed parts (restoration value $1,695).

Amazingly after more than 150 years, it continues to keep very accurate time for a watch of its age.

Accompanying it is its original or period key and a photo of the page in Waltham's hand-written production ledger.

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 is a tangible artifact from the last months and aftermath of the American Civil War - a Waltham P.S. Bartlett that reflects both the resilience of American industry and the transition into a new era of growth and modernization. With its painstaking functional movement restoration, included key, and factory ledger documentation, it stands as a historically grounded and complete example from one of the most important periods in American horology that is ready to be enjoyed.

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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: American Watch Co./Waltham
Country of origin: U.S.A.
Serial no.: 188,899
Date manufactured: 1865 finished and recorded into the ledger in October.
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Coin silver
Case style: Hunter case with smooth exterior and central monogrammed cartouche; hinged front and back covers; engine-turned inner case 
Case condition: Its coin silver case is in honest condition.
Dimensions: Approx. 54mm diameter (excluding the crown)
Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed Appleton Tracy & Co., original, honest condition with light fading and doesn't appear to have any cracks or hairlines at all.
Hands: Original, blue steel "spades"
Movement: Key-wind, key-set mechanical movement; gilt plates; engraved balance cock; blued screws; script engraved “P.S. Bartlett”; serial numbered 188899
Movement markings: P.S. Bartlett, Waltham, Boston Mass., 188,899
Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Serviced: Three of our Master Watchmakers poured countless hours for over 7 years into restoring the movement of this watch to breathe new life into it for many years including sourcing and even fabricating needed parts (restoration value $1,695).
Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to keep very accurate time for a watch of its age.
Warranty: One-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Watch packaging box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Printout of Waltham Production Ledger page; 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

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