Vintage Waltham Watch

Questions About Vintage Waltham Watch

• What is a Waltham watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024

  A Waltham watch is a timepiece made by one of two manufacturers. The original maker of Waltham watches was the Waltham Watch Company, which operated from 1850 to 1981. During that period, Waltham manufactured more than 40 million watches and clocks. After the company closed, one of its subsidiaries, Waltham, SA, continued the production of Waltham watches. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Waltham watches.

• Are Waltham watches valuable?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024

  Yes, some Waltham watches are valuable. The 14-karat and 18-karat gold pocket watches produced by the American watchmaker during the late 19th century tend to be the most collectable. Generally, the type, model, age and condition of the watch will determine how much it's worth. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist with the valuation process. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Waltham watches.

• What is the oldest Waltham watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024

  The oldest Waltham watch is the Waltham Model 1857 pocket watch. Introduced in 1857, this mechanical pocket watch was the first American-made pocket watch to ever enjoy widespread commercial success. Waltham began making wristwatches in the early 20th century. One of its first models that went on to generate significant sales was the Riverside, which debuted in 1912. Shop a selection of Waltham watches on 1stDibs.

• How old are Waltham watches?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024

  The American Waltham Watch Company is more than 150 years old. Aaron Lufkin Dennison established it in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1854. Today, people remember Dennison and his company for introducing the concept of interchangeable parts in watches. This innovation was a landmark in the history of watches, allowing timepieces to be manufactured more quickly. Explore a variety of American Waltham Watch Company watches on 1stDibs.

• How old are Waltham pocket watches?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024

  Waltham pocket watches are more than 150 years old. The American watchmaker introduced its first pocket watch in 1857, and it called this groundbreaking watch the Model 1857 in honor of its launch date. Waltham went on to become one of the leading makers of pocket watches for personal use and the railroad industry in the U.S. Shop a diverse assortment of Waltham watches on 1stDibs.

• When did Waltham watches go out of business?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024

  Waltham watches went out of business in 1957 when the original owners of the Waltham Watch Company filed for bankruptcy. However, that wasn't the end of the Waltham brand. Until the 1980s, a new owner produced Waltham watches in the Waltham Watch Company's former factory. Today, Waltham S.A. continues to manufacture mechanical watches that bear the Waltham name. Shop a variety of Waltham watches on 1stDibs.

• When did they stop making Waltham watches?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Waltham stopped making its watches in 1957, and became known as the Waltham Precision Instruments Company. During its time, Waltham made over 40 million watches. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Waltham pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.

• What years were Waltham pocket watches made?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  Waltham pocket watches were made from 1850 to 1957. The Waltham Watch Company also produced clocks, compasses, speedometers and precision instruments at its factories in Massachusetts. Shop a collection of Waltham pocket watches on 1stDibs.

• Does the Waltham Watch Company still exist?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024

  No, the Waltham Watch Company does not still exist. The watchmaker went out of business in 1981. However, a subsidiary of the original company, Waltham, SA, does continue to manufacture timepieces. Shop a range of Waltham Watch Company watches on 1stDibs.

• How can I tell how old my Waltham pocket watch is?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024

  To tell how old your Waltham pocket watch is, open up the back and locate the serial number. The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors has a searchable serial number database that you can use to look up the number you find. With just a few clicks, this resource will tell you about your watch's year of production, model number, materials and more. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Waltham pocket watches.

• How do I open the back of a Waltham pocket watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  To open a Waltham pocket watch, seek the help of an experienced watch repairer. Opening a pocket watch on your own could end up damaging the timepiece. A professional has the tools necessary to perform the task safely. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Waltham pocket watches.

• What is the history of the American Waltham Watch Company?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024

  The history of the American Waltham Watch Company started in 1854, when Aaron Lufkin Dennison founded the company in Waltham, Massachusetts. There, it began to manufacture watches with interchangeable parts, a new approach to production that allowed the company to prepare watches much more quickly than its competitors. Still, the company experienced economic hardships during its early years, and Dennison was forced to sell his company to Royal E. Robbins in 1857. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Robbins and his business partners, Henry Asher Robbins and Daniel F. Appleton, capitalized on the military's need for reliable watches by introducing an inexpensive $13 timepiece called the William Ellery. Following the war, the company became a supplier to major railways. After a period of sluggish sales as a result of the Panic of 1907, the American Waltham Watch Company revived the business by expanding its manufacturing into fuses and other essential materials for World War I. By the 1920s, the company was producing wristwatches and continued to do so despite changes in ownership during the 1950s and ’60s. By the 1970s, the company was no longer manufacturing watches but had licensed its name to other watchmakers, a practice that continues to this day. On 1stDibs, find a range of American Waltham Watch Company watches.

• How do I know if my Waltham pocket watch is real gold?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Real gold Waltham pocket watches will include a stamp on the rear of the case cover indicating the karat of gold used to create the watch. Several other stamped lines may also indicate a gold watch. However, the best way to determine if a gold Waltham pocket watch is authentic is to work with a certified appraiser. Find a variety of expertly vetted gold Waltham pocket watches on 1stDibs.

• What is a vintage watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021

  A vintage watch is any watch that is at least two decades old. A model number can usually be found on a watch's movement for identification purposes, and date marks on the back of a watch can usually tell you if it is vintage. Vintage timepieces have made a comeback for serious collectors as well as casual enthusiasts all over the world. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs today.

• What is the most sought-after vintage watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024

  There is no single most sought-after vintage watch. Trends in collecting do vary over time, but some watches have reached an iconic status and tend to remain popular among collectors year after year. Examples of such watches include the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.003, the TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B, Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, the Longines 13ZN Chronograph, the Zenith El Primero Ref. A384, the Tudor Submariner Ref. 7928, the Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806, the IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002, the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, the Breguet Type XX, the Universal Genève Polerouter, the Seiko 6139 "Pogue," the Hamilton Ventura and the Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.014. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage watches on 1stDibs.

• How old is my vintage watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024

  To determine how old your vintage watch is, first do some research using trusted online resources. Start by looking at the back of your watch to see if there are any numbers, such as serial or model numbers. Cross-referencing these numbers with online reference guides can often give you a rough idea of when a watch was produced. If you can't find any type of identifying number, you can learn more about the maker to find out when it crafted similar watches or have a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert assist you with the dating process. Shop a wide range of watches on 1stDibs.

• Is there gold in vintage watches?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  The gold content of a vintage watch will depend on the make and model of the watch. Gold is a popular choice for luxury watches due to its finish and yellow-golden hue that can be achieved through gold or gold-plated bands. Shop a wide selection of expertly vetted vintage watches on 1stDibs.

• How can you tell if a watch is vintage?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  The easiest way to determine if a watch is vintage is to look for a date on the back. If the date is more than 20 years old, the timepiece would be considered vintage. If a watch lacks a date, a certified appraiser has the knowledge and experience needed to determine its age. Find a variety of watches on 1stDibs.

• What is a vintage-style watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024

  A vintage-style watch is a contemporary timepiece with a design that draws inspiration from watches produced in previous eras. To be considered a vintage watch rather than a vintage-style watch, a timepiece must be at least 20 years old. Antique watches are at least 100 years old. Explore a wide variety of vintage watches on 1stDibs.

• How can you tell if an Elgin watch is vintage?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024

  All Elgin watches are at least vintage, if not antiques. In the 1960s, the Elgin National Watch Company discontinued its watch production, and by the 1980s, the Elgin brand was phased out completely by the company it had previously merged with. Since any timepiece between 20 and 99 years old is vintage, many Elgin watches fall under that category. Any Elgin watch that is 100 years old or older is antique. You can identify an antique Elgin watch using the serial number, which you'll find inside the movement. By cross-referencing the serial number found on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources, you can identify its year of production. If your watch doesn't have a serial number, it was likely produced in the 18th century, making it an antique. If you'd like assistance with dating your watch, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.