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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Waltham 1883 Size 18s Model 1877 Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by Waltham dates to circa 1883 according to the dealer. It is housed in a polished silver-tone round case measuring 59 mm in diameter, complete with a classic bow and onion-style crown. The white enamel dial is inscribed 'A.W.Co. WALTHAM' and features black Roman numerals, an outer track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The dealer states the watch is powered by a size 18s, 11-jewel Model 1877 manual-wind mechanical movement (Grade Wm. Ellery, serial number 2079461) with key wind and set operation.

Three-quarter view of the open-face pocket watch showing the dial, bow, and onion crown
Three-quarter view of the open-face pocket watch showing the dial, bow, and onion crown — Second Hand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Waltham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-6814
Source-reported date
circa 1883
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
2079461

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

Identity and Dating

This vintage Waltham timepiece is described by the dealer as dating to circa 1883 and manufactured in the United States. The movement is identified by the serial number 2079461.

The timepiece is identified as a size 18s, Model 1877, Grade 'Wm. Ellery'.

Evidence for this section
  • “dating to circa 1883”
  • “Made in the U.S.A.”
  • “Movement SN 2079461”
  • “grade Wm. Ellery with 11 jewels”
  • “size 18s”
  • “model 1877”

Dial and Visual Features

The dial is white enamel and features black Roman numerals with an outer 'railroad' minute track and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.

The watch is housed in a 59 mm round, silver-tone case with a polished finish and an engraved design. The exterior includes an onion-style crown and a classic bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial with Roman numerals, a precise "railroad" minute track, and a sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock”
  • “The silver-tone 59mm round case features a polished finish with a engraved design, paired with a classic bow and onion-style crown”

Movement and Operation

The timepiece utilizes a manual-wind, 11-jewel mechanical movement. It is designed with a key wind and key set mechanism.

Mechanical details provided are based on dealer specifications; the movement is not fully detailed in the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by the original Waltham Watch Co. mechanical movement grade Wm. Ellery with 11 jewels”
  • “key wind/set mechanism”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 2079461 correspond to Waltham factory production records for 1883?
  • What is the underlying metal composition of the 'silver-tone' case?
  • Are there specific horological characteristics defining the Model 1877 Grade Wm. Ellery that distinguish it from other 18s movements of the same era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham 1883 Size 18s Model 1877 Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement GradeWm. Ellery“grade Wm. Ellery with 11 jewels”
Movement Serial Number2079461“Movement SN 2079461”
Size18s“Size 18s”
Model1877“Model 1877”
Case Size59 mm“Case Size: 59”
Setting MechanismKey wind/set“Crown/Setting: Key wind/set”
Case Thickness19.7 mm“Case Thickness: 19.7”
Crystal MaterialAcrylic“Crystal: Acrylic”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial signed 'A.W.Co. WALTHAM' beneath the 12 o'clock position
  • Dial features black Roman hour numerals and an outer track
  • Subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock
  • Polished silver-tone open-face case with an onion crown and round bow

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided photograph; specifications rely on seller description
  • Case interior and markings are not visible

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

Terms in this record

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