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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter cased chronograph repeater

American Waltham Watch Co. Pocket Hunter Watch

Partially verified

This pocket hunter watch, attributed to the American Waltham Watch Co. and dating to circa 1895, features a chronograph and repeater complication. The timepiece is housed in a 14k yellow gold case measuring 53.5 mm in diameter. The case features the Latin inscription "fortis et fidelis" and includes hallmarks confirming the metal purity. The white dial displays Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The movement is reported as being in working order and capable of being wound, though the auction description notes the piece is in fair condition, consistent with its 19th-century origin. The weight of the watch is 129.8 grams.

Front view of the American Waltham Watch Co. hunter cased pocket watch with the front cover open, displaying the dial.
Front view of the American Waltham Watch Co. hunter cased pocket watch with the front cover open, displaying the dial. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter cased chronograph repeater
Maker / attribution
American Waltham Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1895
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 14k yellow gold hunter-style case, which measures 53.5 mm in diameter. The exterior of the case is inscribed with the Latin phrase "fortis et fidelis," which translates to "strong and faithful." The case is hallmarked to denote the metal content and authenticity.

The dial is white and features Arabic numerals for the primary time display. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The overall appearance is consistent with 19th-century pocket watch design, with the case weight listed as 129.8 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “Karat gold case, hallmarked to confirm its authenticity”
  • “Measuring at a diameter of 53.5 mm”
  • “the Latin inscription "fortis et fidelis" emblazoned on the case”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is equipped with a chronograph function and a repeater mechanism. The auction description reports that the movement is in working order and can still be wound.

As a chronograph repeater, the watch provides both timekeeping and supplemental measurement functions. It was manufactured in the United States around 1895, during the 19th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “featuring both a chronograph function and a repeater”
  • “still capable of being wound and in working order”
  • “Date of Manufacture: circa 1895”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the condition of the watch as fair. It notes that the watch bears signs of its age, which is expected given its manufacture date in the late 19th century.

The object is attributed to the American Waltham Watch Co. and is described as an antique pocket hunter watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “the marks of its age, this remarkable timepiece remains in fair condition”
  • “Creator: American Waltham Watch Co.”

Open research questions

  • What specific repeater complication does the movement utilize (e.g., quarter-repeater, minute-repeater)?
  • Are the hallmarks on the case specific to a known assay office or manufacturer, and do they align with the 1895 date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American Waltham Watch Co. Pocket Hunter Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAmerican Waltham Watch Co.“Creator: American Waltham Watch Co.”
Material14k Yellow Gold“Case Material: 14k Gold,Yellow Gold”
Diameter53.5 mm“Diameter: 53.5 mm (2.11 in)”
Weight129.8 g“Weight: 129.8 g”
Datecirca 1895“Date of Manufacture: circa 1895”
Inscriptionfortis et fidelis“the Latin inscription "fortis et fidelis" emblazoned on the case”
ConditionFair“Condition: Fair”
Operational StatusWorking order“still capable of being wound and in working order”

Visible details

  • Case features a Latin inscription reading 'fortis et fidelis'
  • White enamel-style dial with Arabic numerals
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock position
  • Hunter case configuration with crown-mounted winding stem

Research qualifications

  • Condition reported only as fair with no specific mechanical history provided
  • Inscription attribution to original factory production is not confirmed by the source

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

Consulted source

14K Gold American Watch Co. Waltham, Chronograph Repeater - 1895

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 754d20beaa

Terms in this record

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