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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case dress pocket watch

A.W.C. Waltham 6s Grade J Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This A.W.C. Waltham size 6s hunting-cased dress pocket watch is reported by the seller as dating to 1889. According to source details, it is powered by an American Waltham Watch Co. Grade J, Model 1889 mechanical movement with 7 jewels bearing serial number 4694841. The white dial is reported to feature Roman numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The movement is housed in an engraved 39.7 mm tri-color gold-filled hunter case numbered 294246, featuring a central shield cartouche inscribed 'Henry to Ida', accompanied by a mesh chain and fob.

Front lid of the Waltham size 6s pocket watch showing tri-color accents and 'Henry to Ida' inscription
Front lid of the Waltham size 6s pocket watch showing tri-color accents and 'Henry to Ida' inscription — Secondhand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case dress pocket watch
Maker / attribution
American Waltham Watch Co.
Reference
Model 1889, Grade J
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-5277
Source-reported date
1889
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
4694841

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

Watch Identification

The timepiece is identified as a vintage American Waltham Watch Co. hunter case pocket watch. The seller attributes the date of the watch to 1889.

The case back features a shield-shaped cartouche with an engraved inscription reading 'Henry to Ida', situated within an eight-pointed star frame.

Evidence for this section
  • “vintage A.W.C. Waltham dress pocket watch, dating back to 1889.”
  • “Central eight-pointed star frame enclosing a polished shield-shaped cartouche with the engraved presentation inscription 'Henry to Ida'.”

Case Construction and Ornamentation

The watch is housed in a 39.7 mm tri-color gold-filled hunter case. The front lid displays decorative scrollwork, which is described as either engine-turned or chased.

Additional ornamentation includes multi-color gold floral and foliate motifs applied or inlaid around the central cartouche. The watch includes a ribbed cylindrical crown and a rounded suspension bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “housed in a 39.7mm tri-color gold-filled hunter case with an intricate engraving”
  • “Hunter case front cover densely decorated with engine-turned or chased swirling scrollwork patterns.”
  • “Applied or inlaid multi-color gold floral and foliate embellishments surrounding the central cartouche.”

Movement and Dial Specifications

The watch is powered by a manual-wind American Waltham Watch Co. movement, designated as Grade J, Model 1889, Size 6s, containing 7 jewels and bearing serial number 4694841.

The dial is described as white and signed 'A.W.Co. Waltham'. It features Roman numeral hour markers, a railroad minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by the original Waltham mechanical movement, Grade J, Model 1889, Size 6s, with 7 jewels.”
  • “American Waltham Watch Co. 4694841”
  • “white dial, highlighted by black Roman numerals, a crisp black railroad minute track, and elegant blued steel hands.”
  • “The sub-seconds register sits at 6 o’clock”

Open research questions

  • Do Waltham factory records confirm the production date of 1889 for movement serial number 4694841?
  • Does the case serial number 294246 correspond to an internal Waltham case record or an external case manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A.W.C. Waltham 6s Grade J Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Grade and ModelGrade J, Model 1889, Size 6s“powered by the original Waltham mechanical movement, Grade J, Model 1889, Size 6s, with 7 jewels.”
Movement Serial Number4694841“American Waltham Watch Co. 4694841”
Case Serial Number294246“Case Back Markings: Measurements (mm): American Waltham Watch Co. 4694841 294246”
Case Dimensions39.7 mm diameter, 13.8 mm thickness“Case 39.7 Case w/Crown 51.7 Case Thickness 13.8”
Case MaterialTri-color gold-filled“It is housed in a 39.7mm tri-color gold-filled hunter case with an intricate engraving”
Case Thickness13.8 mm“Case Thickness 13.8”

Visible details

  • Hunter case front cover densely decorated with engine-turned or chased swirling scrollwork patterns.
  • Central eight-pointed star frame enclosing a polished shield-shaped cartouche with the engraved presentation inscription 'Henry to Ida'.
  • Applied or inlaid multi-color gold floral and foliate embellishments surrounding the central cartouche.
  • Ribbed cylindrical winding crown topped by a rounded suspension bow.
  • Hinged outer lid visible at the lower edge.

Research qualifications

  • Dial and movement are not visible in the provided photograph; descriptions rely on seller statements.
  • The acrylic display stand shown in the image is not part of the watch.

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

Consulted source

1889 A.W.C. WALTHAM Dress Pocket Watch 6s Grade J Fancy Hunter Case w/ – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 65f55efc03

Terms in this record

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