Few moments in American history carry the weight and emotion of the years surrounding the Civil War. This remarkable Waltham pocket watch was produced in November of 1860. It is not merely from the era; it stands at the threshold of one of the most defining chapters in American history.

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.

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 made in November of 1860.

What makes this piece especially compelling is its engraved hunter case. Rather than the more typical floral or geometric decoration, the front is engraved with an unmistakable military tableau: a cannon flanked by stacked cannonballs and crossed flags, with architectural elements in the background. The imagery is bold yet restrained, and deeply evocative. Watches of this period rarely carry such overt martial symbolism, making this example both visually and historically distinctive.

We have owned more than a dozen Waltham watches made during the Civil War and seen many more - this is the first we have come across with military imagery on the case.

The timing of its production adds a powerful layer of context. In November 1860, Abraham Lincoln had just been elected President of the United States. Southern states were already debating secession; South Carolina would formally secede the following month in December. Newspapers were filled with speeches, militia drills, political rallies, and growing uncertainty about the nation’s future. Military imagery - cannons, flags, artillery - was increasingly visible in patriotic art, broadsides, and personal objects. It is within this charged national atmosphere that this watch was made. The engraved cannon motif may well reflect the rising tensions and martial sentiment of the moment, capturing in metal the visual language of a country bracing for conflict.

By April 1861, shots would be fired at Fort Sumter and the nation would be at war. This watch, already completed and in circulation, would have existed in that exact transitional moment - from anxious anticipation to open conflict. Whether carried by a civilian, a politically interested leader, or a soldier, it embodies the atmosphere of a nation on the brink. The engraving is not generic decoration; it feels timely, contemporary to the events unfolding around it.

Here is a little more about it...

* Handsome original silver case with unusual military engraving

* 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

Its original silver case is in honest condition. Its wonderful enamel dial presents as excellent condition with light wear.

One of our Master 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 very accurate time. 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 months immediately preceding the American Civil War - an 1860 Waltham rendered all the more compelling by its rare and overt military engraving. It is a piece that bridges horology and history, equally at home in a serious collection of American watches or Civil War memorabilia, or as a conversation-starting heirloom.

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.: 40063
Date manufacturing finished: November 1860
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Silver
Case markings: Hallmark and 47752
Case condition: Honest condition with light dings and wear to the details. 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 very light wear
Hands: Original, blue steel
Movement markings: P.S. Bartlett, Waltham, Mass., 40063
Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master 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 keep very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-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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