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 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 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 Waltham, that according to the company's hand-written ledger, was made in November of 1863 (see a photo of the page below) the same year as President Lincoln's watch.

Also, according to Waltham’s original hand-written ledgers, this watch was one of only 10 pieces produced in its run. Surviving examples from such tiny runs are seldom encountered today, making this watch not only a functional timekeeper but also a rare witness to a pivotal moment in American history.

Here is a little more about it...

* Handsome period sterling silver case

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

* Large 18 size, measuring approximately a full 56mm in diameter

* Key wound movement with winding key

The time period this watch was being manufactured aligns closely during several key events. By late 1863, the Union had achieved decisive victories: the Siege of Vicksburg secured control of the Mississippi River, the Battle of Gettysburg turned the tide in the East, and the Chattanooga Campaign opened the gateway to the Deep South. Watches like this one would have been carried in the pockets of men living through those momentous campaigns, each tick marking time in a nation being remade.

Its period correct nickel case, a recase, is in honest condition. Its wonderful enamel dial presents as excellent condition with light wear.

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 run and keep accurate time within several minutes per day. While our Master Watchmakers are very skilled, please don't expect modern level accuracy from a watch of this 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.

Accompanying the watch is a winding and setting key.

This is a rare opportunity to own an exciting historical timepiece from a prominent American watchmaker.

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.: 90,741
Date manufacturing finished: November 1863, made in a production run of 10 pieces
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Sterling silver
Case markings: Am. Watch Co. Waltham, Mass. J 342, Sterling Silver
Case condition: Honest condition with two dings. Otherwise, only fairly light wear. The silver has a patina that gives authenticity to the watch that we have left on. Please inquire if you would like it polished.
Dimensions: Approx. 56mm diameter (excluding the crown)
Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, presents in excellent condition with one small edge flake mostly hidden by the edge of the crystal and very light wear
Hands: Blue steel
Movement markings: P.S. Bartlett, Waltham, Mass., 90,741
Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Serviced: 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 on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Amazingly, after more than 150 years, it continues to run and keep accurate time within several minutes per day.
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; 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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