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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

American Waltham Model 1880 Grade J Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This American Waltham pocket watch, dating to approximately the 1890s, features a silver hunter case. The watch is built on the Waltham Model 1880 movement, identified as Grade J, which incorporates seven jewels and a safety barrel mechanism. The hunter case is decorated with hand-engraved floral motifs and a scene depicting a house on one side, with a blank shield on the reverse intended for personalization. The watch measures 43 millimeters (1-5/8 inches) in diameter, corresponding to an American size 6. The white dial displays black Roman numerals and includes a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock. The dial is signed "American Waltham." According to the auction description, the timepiece has been serviced and is in working order, with the dial reported to be in excellent condition and the silver case in very good state. It is supplied with a velvet carrying pouch.

Exterior view of the silver hunter case showing the engraved botanical and building details.
Exterior view of the silver hunter case showing the engraved botanical and building details. — Ashton-Blakey Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
American Waltham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890s
Source-reported place
United States

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

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a silver hunter case characterized by hand-applied decorative engravings. The exterior surfaces feature floral motifs, foliage, and the depiction of a residential structure. An empty shield or plaque is integrated into the case design, provided for the purpose of engraving initials or personalized inscriptions.

The watch face is finished in white and utilizes black Roman numerals for the primary time display. A recessed subsidiary dial dedicated to tracking seconds is positioned at the six o'clock mark. The dial bears the signature of the manufacturer, American Waltham. Condition reports describe the dial as being in excellent, near-new state, with the silver case described as being in very good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب نقره‌ای این قطعه مزین به حکاکی‌های دستی و پرکار است”
  • “تصویری از یک خانه نقش بسته”
  • “صفحه ساعت با رنگ سفید و اعداد رومی مشکی تزیین شده و امضای American Waltham بر روی آن درج گردیده است”

Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism is an American-made Waltham caliber based on the Model 1880 architecture, specifically identified as Grade J. This movement utilizes seven jewels to reduce friction in the gear train. A technical feature of this specific movement is the inclusion of a safety barrel, designed to protect the movement in the event of a mainspring breakage.

Documentation states that the watch has undergone a service and is currently functioning smoothly and accurately. The technical dimensions conform to the American size 6 standard, which results in a case diameter of approximately 43 millimeters or 1-5/8 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “مکانیزم این ساعت مبتنی بر مدل ۱۸۸۰ با درجه‌بندی کیفی Grade J بوده و از ۷ سنگ قیمتی (7 Jewels) و سیستم بشکه ایمنی (Safety Barrel) بهره می‌برد”
  • “این ساعت سرویس شده و در وضعیت کارکرد دقیق و بسیار روان قرار دارد”

Provenance and Identification

The object is identified as a product of the American Waltham Watch Company. Production is dated to the 1890s. The watch is accompanied by a velvet storage pouch.

The information provided in this record originates from the auction documentation and does not constitute an independent assessment of authenticity or current market value by the reference site.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت متعلق به حدود دهه ۱۸۹۰ میلادی (Circa 1890s) بوده”
  • “این ساعت همراه با یک کیسه مخملی مخصوص ارائه می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific serial number of the movement?
  • Does the case bear any specific hallmarks or manufacturer marks confirming the silver content?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American Waltham Model 1880 Grade J Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAmerican Waltham“اثری از شرکت ساعت‌سازی سرشناس آمریکایی «والتام» (Waltham)”
Movement ModelModel 1880 Grade J“مکانیزم این ساعت مبتنی بر مدل ۱۸۸۰ با درجه‌بندی کیفی Grade J بوده”
Case MaterialSilver“قاب درب‌دار هانتر (Hunter Case) از جنس نقره”
SizeSize 6 (43mm)“سایز ۶ (Size 6) با قطر بدنه ۴۳ میلی‌متر”
Jewel Count7 Jewels“از ۷ سنگ قیمتی (7 Jewels)”
Mechanism FeaturesSafety Barrel“سیستم بشکه ایمنی (Safety Barrel)”
Dial LayoutWhite dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds“صفحه ساعت با رنگ سفید و اعداد رومی مشکی تزیین شده و امضای American Waltham بر روی آن درج گردیده است؛ همچنین صفحه فرعی ثانیه‌شمار در موقعیت ساعت ۶ واقع شده است.”

Visible details

  • Case features intricate hand-engraved vegetation and a building scene
  • Dial includes subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position
  • Dial bears the signature 'American Waltham' in script lettering
  • Case is of the hunter style with a hinged front cover

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is not provided in the source text
  • The precise manufacturing date within the 1890s is not specified

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی هانتر نقره Waltham Model 1880 Grade J دهه ۱۸۹۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5ee72f8d31

Terms in this record

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

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