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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Marine deck watch

A mahogany eight day marine deck watch Waltham Watch Co, NW 318

Partially verified

This marine deck watch by Waltham Watch Co, identified by marking NW 318, is set in a brass-fitted mahogany case measuring 12.75 centimetres (5 inches) high. According to the auction catalogue, the timepiece houses an eight-day watch movement fitted with a lever escapement, mounted inside a weighted bowl within a brass gimbal system. The 2.5-inch silvered dial features black Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a state-of-wind indicator. Both the mahogany case and the dial are stamped with a military ordnance broad arrow.

Elevated view of the open mahogany box showing the Waltham marine deck watch mounted on its brass gimbal
Elevated view of the open mahogany box showing the Waltham marine deck watch mounted on its brass gimbal — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Marine deck watch
Maker / attribution
Waltham Watch Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
369
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
NW 318

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Military Markings

Catalogued under the designation 'Waltham Watch Co, NW 318', this timepiece is identified by the auction house as an eight-day marine deck watch. The entry records that both the case and dial are marked with an ordnance arrow, reflecting official government or military inventory numbering.

Observation of the outer box shows a brass plaque engraved 'WALTHAM' affixed to the front edge of the upper tier of the wooden case.

Evidence for this section
  • “A mahogany eight day marine deck watch Waltham Watch Co, NW 318”
  • “The case and dial marked with an ordnance arrow.”
  • “A brass plaque engraved 'WALTHAM' is affixed to the front edge of the upper box tier.”

Casing and Gimbal Mount

The timepiece is housed in a mahogany case measured at 12.75cm (5in) high. The catalogue specifies 'the three part case with brass mounts, the interior housing the gimbal and weighted case'.

Direct visual observation notes the watch mounted within a brass gimbal ring set inside an open brass-bound mahogany case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The three part case with brass mounts, the interior housing the gimbal and weighted case”
  • “12.75cm (5in) high.”
  • “The watch is mounted in a brass gimbal ring within an open brass-bound mahogany case.”

Dial Configuration and Movement Details

The catalogue records a '2.5 inch silvered Roman dial with subsidiary seconds and state of wind'. Observation confirms the dial displays black Roman hour numerals, blued or dark spade hands, an up/down winding indicator, and a subsidiary seconds track.

The internal mechanism is described in the catalogue as a 'large watch movement with lever escapement'. Mechanical details beyond the lever escapement and eight-day duration are not visible or recorded in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “2.5 inch silvered Roman dial with subsidiary seconds and state of wind”
  • “the large watch movement with lever escapement.”
  • “The silvered dial displays black Roman hour numerals, blued or dark spade hands, an up/down winding indicator, and a subsidiary seconds track.”

Open research questions

  • What movement calibre and serial number are engraved on the movement plates inside the weighted bowl?
  • Does 'NW 318' represent a British Admiralty or War Department issue code, and does it correspond to an entry in naval hydrographic records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A mahogany eight day marine deck watch Waltham Watch Co, NW 318
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement durationEight day“A mahogany eight day marine deck watch”
Marking / SerialNW 318“NW 318”
Case constructionThree part case with brass mounts“The three part case with brass mounts, the interior housing the gimbal and weighted case”
Dial description2.5 inch silvered Roman dial“2.5 inch silvered Roman dial with subsidiary seconds and state of wind”
EscapementLever escapement“the large watch movement with lever escapement.”
Military markingOrdnance arrow“The case and dial marked with an ordnance arrow.”
Height12.75cm (5in)“12.75cm (5in) high.”
Auction hammer price£960 inc. premium“Sold for £960 inc. premium”
Auction date and location24 May 2011, London, Knightsbridge“24 May 2011, 12:00 BST London, Knightsbridge”

Visible details

  • The watch is mounted in a brass gimbal ring within an open brass-bound mahogany case.
  • A brass plaque engraved 'WALTHAM' is affixed to the front edge of the upper box tier.
  • The silvered dial displays black Roman hour numerals, blued or dark spade hands, an up/down winding indicator, and a subsidiary seconds track.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement mechanism is not visible outside the gimballed bowl.
  • No precise production year is stated in the auction description.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams : A mahogany eight day marine deck watch Waltham Watch Co, NW 318

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 809d8264c1

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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