American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1883 Open Face Pocket Watch Movement in Coin Silver Case
Pocket Watch (Horological Instrument/Jewelry Accessory) · American Waltham Watch Co., Waltham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1850, Waltham was a pioneer of the American System of Watch Manufacturing, producing high-precision, interchangeable parts. They were the premier American watchmaking firm during the 19th century.
Pattern: Model 1883, Grade No. 1, 7-11 Jewels, Size 18s (Full Plate)
Type
Pocket Watch (Horological Instrument/Jewelry Accessory)
Maker
American Waltham Watch Co., Waltham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1850, Waltham was a pioneer of the American System of Watch Manufacturing, producing high-precision, interchangeable parts. They were the premier American watchmaking firm during the 19th century.
Material
Gilded brass (movement plates), steel (screws and regulator), with an outer case likely made of Coin Silver (.900 purity) or Sterling Silver (.925) commonly used for 18-size working watches. The movement features a 'Safety Pinion'.
Dimensions
Standard 18 size (approx. 44.86mm for the movement); the total case diameter is likely 50-55mm. Estimated weight including movement: 120-150 grams.
Description
This is a classic American pocket watch movement by the American Waltham Watch Co. The 18-size Model 1883 is a robust, full-plate movement designed for durability and accuracy. It showcases the beautiful hand-engraved balance cock and the 'Safety Pinion' patent that revolutionized watch safety. The heavy metal case suggests it was a daily 'worker's watch' rather than a dress piece.
Key Features
Hand-engraved balance cock; 1887 production date; Model 1883 architecture; Safety Pinion technology; clearly struck serial numbers; blued steel screws.
Material & Composition
Gilded brass (movement plates), steel (screws and regulator), with an outer case likely made of Coin Silver (.900 purity) or Sterling Silver (.925) commonly used for 18-size working watches. The movement features a 'Safety Pinion'.
Finish & Decoration
The movement plates are finished with gilt (mercury gilding or electro-gilding). The balance cock is hand-engraved with decorative scrollwork and floral motifs typical of the Victorian era. The screws are blued or heat-tempered steel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The movement is stamped with 'American Waltham Watch Co.', serial number '3390315', and 'Safety Pinion'. Case marks (not fully visible) usually include 'Coin' or 'Sterling' and a case maker's hallmark like 'W.W.C.Co' or 'Fahys'.
Construction Details
Full-plate construction where the gears are sandwiched between two large brass plates. It features a bimetallic compensation balance wheel with weight screws for temperature adjustment and a micrometric regulator.
Functional Features
Stem-wind and lever-set or pendant-set mechanism. Functional Safety Pinion designed to protect the geartrain from damage if the mainspring breaks. Features a swinging balance wheel and escapement.
Handle & Grip Details
Large fluted crown (stem) for winding and setting, typical of the late 19th-century transitional period from key-wind to stem-wind technology. The bow (ring) is missing in this image.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-grade manufacturing; the hand-engraving on the balance cock provides a unique artisan touch to an otherwise mass-produced mechanical item. The screw heads are well-finished and the gilding remains remarkably intact.
Authentication Indicators
The serial number font and placement are consistent with Waltham factory records for the 1887 run. The hand-engraved scrollwork is characteristic of the Grade No. 1 movements of this period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. Known as the 'Watch City,' this factory produced the first mass-produced watches with standardized parts.
Era & Period
Victorian Era / Gilded Age (Late 19th Century). The Model 1883 was the workhorse of the American railroads and general public during this industrial boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1887. Based on the Waltham serial number 3390315, this movement was manufactured in a run produced in late 1887.
Cultural Significance
Represented the democratization of timekeeping; before Waltham, watches were handmade luxuries. This piece symbolizes the transition of the US from an agrarian society to a synchronized industrial power.
Condition Notes
The movement appears relatively clean but shows oxidation on the crown. The bow is missing. The case shows significant wear and tarnish consistent with silver age. Structural integrity of the movement is unknown without a mechanical test (ticking).
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD. Value is largely in the movement's parts and the scrap/melt value of the silver case, as it is a common 7-jewel grade and missing its bow and crystal.
Care & Maintenance
Do not over-wind. For the silver case: use a soft silver cloth; avoid dips that could seep into the movement. For the movement: should be serviced by a professional horologist every 5-10 years (oiling/cleaning).
Similar Pieces
Elgin National Watch Co. Grade 73 (18-size), Illinois Watch Co. 'Bunn Special' (higher grade), or Hamilton 924. Waltham is often preferred by collectors for its historical priority in American manufacturing.
Interesting Facts
The American Waltham Watch Co. provided the watch carried by Abraham Lincoln. Their 'Safety Pinion' was a critical innovation that prevented the force of a snapping mainspring from shattering the delicate internal gears.