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 Model 1857 "Wm. Ellery" pocket watch, the same model offer here today. President Lincoln's watch - made in January 1863 - resides in the collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian.

According to the company's handwritten ledger, this Waltham Model 1857 "Wm. Ellery" watch, the same model given to President Lincoln, was finished between May and July of 1863, only a few months after President Lincoln's watch (see a photo of the page below). Here is a little more about it...

• Heavy 4 oz. silver hunting case which is very substantial with handsome engine turning
• 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 S.D. & Co., case

The time period this watch was being manufactured aligns closely during several key events. On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. Applauded by many abolitionists including Frederick Douglass, there are others who feel it does not go far enough to totally abolish slavery.

At the time this watch was being manufactured, May 1863, conscription (the drafting of soldiers into military service) had just begun in the North and the Union forces in the east had just begun a new campaign in Virginia to flank Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Fredericksburg. In the west, a Union army had just begun a campaign to surround and take Vicksburg, Mississippi, the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River.

As it was being manufactured on May 1st - 4th, the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia took place. General Lee's greatest victory is marred by the mortal wounding of "Stonewall" Jackson, who dies on May 10. Soon after, Lee asks Jefferson Davis for permission to invade the North and take the war out of Virginia.

On May 18 the Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi began. Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant attacked Confederate defenses outside the city on May 19th - 22nd. If Vicksburg fell, the Mississippi River would be completely controlled by the Union.

One of our Master Watchmakers, an authorized Rolex watchmaker who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement down to the last screw, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine parts, polishing the pivots, installing a new correct mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing, testing and regulation (a $695 value). It is a more significant servicing than is usually given to these watches.

Kindly note that these were not highly jeweled watches, and after 150 years the movements generally have some wear from use. Even with an expertly done complete servicing, ours is running and keeping generally accurate time for one of these watches, but please do not expect precision timekeeping closer than a couple of minutes per day.

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.: 81,999
• Date finished: May - July 1863
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Silver
• Case markings (inside): S.D. & Co., 4 (for four ounces of silver)
• Case condition: Honest original condition with age appropriate wear. The front lids presents very nicely, and the engine turning decoration is still quite strong. The back has one crease and light rippling and also have strong engine turning
• Dimensions: 54.5mm diameter (excluding the crown)
• Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, just short of mint condition with a few negligible edge flakes. With the bezel on it presents as mint
• Hands: Original, blue steel, spades
• Movement markings: Wm. Ellery, Waltham, Mass., 81,999
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, an authorized Rolex watchmaker who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement down to the last screw, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine parts, polishing the pivots, installing a new correct mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing, testing and regulation (a $695 value). It is a more significant servicing than is usually given to these watches. Kindly note that these were not highly jeweled watches, and after 150 years the movements generally have some wear from use. Even with an expertly done complete servicing, ours is running and keeping generally accurate time for one of these watches, but please do not expect precision timekeeping closer than a couple of minutes per day.
• 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