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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Waltham 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This hunter case pocket watch by Waltham dates to circa 1892 according to Freeman's auction catalog. Housed in an intricately engraved foliate-motif 14 karat yellow gold case measuring 39.00 mm in diameter, the total weight is recorded as 33.80 dwts. The white single-sunk dial features gilt decorative accents, Arabic numerals, blued steel poire hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The watch is powered by a stem-wound and stem-set 11-jewel nickel movement with damaskeening, signed 'AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH CO.' and numbered 5509437.

Front view of Waltham 14 karat yellow gold hunter case pocket watch with open cover showing dial and bow
Front view of Waltham 14 karat yellow gold hunter case pocket watch with open cover showing dial and bow — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
American Waltham Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
24
Source-reported date
Circa 1892
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
5509437

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 Construction

The watch is housed in a 14 karat yellow gold hunter case with a diameter of 39.00 mm. The exterior of the case lid displays foliate motif relief engraving.

The total weight is 33.80 dwts. The watch features a polished cuvette and is stamped with '14K 59427' on the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “39.00 mm case diameter”
  • “intricately foliate motif engraved case”
  • “33.80 dwts.”
  • “polished cuvette”
  • “Case stamp: 14K 59427.”

Dial and Visual Features

The timepiece features a white single-sunk dial marked with the signature 'WALTHAM'. It displays Arabic numerals and gilt decorative details.

The watch utilizes blued steel poire hands and includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.

Evidence for this section
  • “white single-sunk dial with gilt details signed WALTHAM”
  • “Arabic numeral”
  • “blued steel poires hands”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.”

Movement and Attribution

The watch is powered by an 11-jewel nickel movement featuring a damaskeened finish. The movement is signed 'AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH CO.' and bears the serial number 5509437.

The mechanism is stem-wound and stem-set. The source dates the watch to circa 1892.

Evidence for this section
  • “stem wound and set 11 jewel nickel movement with damaskeen finish signed AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH CO.”
  • “Movement number: 5509437.”
  • “Circa 1892”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the case manufacturer corresponding to the stamp 59427?
  • Can the serial number 5509437 be cross-referenced with Waltham production records to confirm the manufacturing year?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Diameter39.00 mm“39.00 mm case diameter”
Movement Jewels11 jewel“11 jewel nickel movement with damaskeen finish”
Movement Maker SignatureAMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH CO.“signed AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH CO.”
Movement Number5509437“Movement number: 5509437.”
Case Stamping14K 59427“Case stamp: 14K 59427.”
Total Weight33.80 dwts“33.80 dwts.”

Visible details

  • White single-sunk dial featuring Arabic numerals, gilt decorative flourishes, and signature 'WALTHAM'.
  • Blued steel poire hands with a matching subsidiary seconds hand.
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Hinged hunter case front lid opened to display dial, showing detailed foliate relief engraving along the exterior lid.
  • Winding crown and circular bow positioned at the 3 o'clock orientation.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and inner case back are not shown in the provided photograph; movement specifications and serials are taken from the catalog description.
  • Country of origin is not explicitly designated in the auction listing, though Waltham is traditionally an American firm.

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

Consulted source

A 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch,... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b11d65bd2a

Terms in this record

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

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