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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Waltham 8-day desk clock with ship wheel case

Partially verified

This Waltham desk clock, dating to approximately 1900, is housed in a decorative metal case designed as a ship's wheel. The timepiece features an eight-day movement, designed for household or office use to minimize the frequency of manual winding. The clock measures 17 centimeters in height, 12 centimeters in width, and 8.5 centimeters in depth. The dial displays Arabic numerals and is fitted with hands characterized by a wheel-like design. The auction description reports the clock is in good working order and notes that the dial is clean. The metal case exhibits visible signs of age. The winding mechanism is located at the rear of the clock. While the case incorporates a nautical theme, the source notes that this design does not signify the clock was intended for maritime use on a vessel.

Waltham 8-day desk clock featuring a nautical-themed ship wheel case, circa 1900.
Waltham 8-day desk clock featuring a nautical-themed ship wheel case, circa 1900. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Waltham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
JN125

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 clock is encased in a metal frame modeled after a ship's steering wheel, mounted upon a cylindrical pillar and a circular base. The structure utilizes nautical-themed ornamentation, a style associated with decorative desk timepieces of the early twentieth century. The case measures 17 centimeters in height, 12 centimeters in width, and 8.5 centimeters in depth, with the seller noting that the exterior displays visible signs of age and patina.

The dial is circular and features black printed Arabic numerals. The hands are designed with a circular motif, referred to in the source as a Mercedes-style pattern. The dial surface is reported to be clean, and the text 'WALTHAM' and '8 DAYS' is printed centrally to identify the manufacturer and the movement duration.

Evidence for this section
  • “ارتفاع ۱۷، عرض ۱۲ و عمق ۸٫۵ سانتی‌متر”
  • “طراحی بدنه با نقوش دریایی نظیر چرخ هدایت کشتی یا سکان”
  • “صفحه ساعت نیز تمیز گزارش شده است”
  • “عقربه‌های طرح Mercedes wheel”

Movement and Mechanics

The timepiece is powered by an eight-day movement. This specification allowed for reduced interaction with the clock, as the mainspring required winding significantly less frequently than a standard daily-wound mechanism.

The winding mechanism is positioned at the back of the clock housing. The current working condition is described as functional, and the auction house reports that the movement has been serviced by them, though documentation of specific parts replaced or mechanical test results were not provided in the listing description.

Evidence for this section
  • “سازوکار ۸ روزه (8-day)”
  • “ساعت‌های رومیزی مجهز به موتورهای هشت‌روزه در اوایل سده بیستم میلادی برای استفاده اداری و خانگی با هدف کاهش دفعات کوک مورد استفاده قرار می‌گرفتند”
  • “کوک از پشت در متن آمده‌اند”
  • “منبع اعلام می‌کند خودش ساعت را سرویس کرده”

Attribution and Condition

The object is attributed to the Waltham company and dated to circa 1900. While the maritime imagery of the case is prominent, the listing clarifies that this design is decorative and does not imply that the object was used as a chronometer or timepiece on a ship.

The auction house reports the clock is in good working order and maintains a clean dial, though the case shows historical wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت رومیزی اثر سازنده Waltham و متعلق به حدود سال ۱۹۰۰ میلادی (C1900) است”
  • “طرح سکان، ظاهر قاب است و به‌تنهایی سابقه کاربرد روی کشتی یا کرنومتر دریایی بودن را ثابت نمی‌کند”
  • “از نظر فنی در وضعیت کارکرد خوب و مناسب (good working order) قرار دارد”
  • “قاب ساعت علائمی از گذر زمان و قدمت را نشان می‌دهد”

Open research questions

  • Are there known serial number logs for Waltham desk clocks from 1900 to confirm exact production years?
  • What specific metal alloy was historically used for the ship wheel case frames on this Waltham series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham 8-day desk clock with ship wheel case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWaltham“اثر سازنده Waltham”
Datecirca 1900“۱۹۰۰ میلادی (C1900)”
Movement8-day“سازوکار ۸ روزه (8-day)”
Dimensions17 x 12 x 8.5 cm“ارتفاع ۱۷، عرض ۱۲ و عمق ۸٫۵ سانتی‌متر”
Case designShip wheel“قاب با طرح سکان کشتی (Shipping Wheel Case)”
Inventory codeJN125“کد موجودی JN125”

Visible details

  • Arabic numerals on dial
  • '8 DAYS' printed below center of dial
  • Ship wheel design case on circular base
  • Mercedes-style hand design

Research qualifications

  • Age and origin attributed by seller only
  • Working condition reported by seller without independent verification

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

Consulted source

Fine Waltham 8-day Desk Clock – Shipping Wheel Case C1900

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 654c4bfb1b

Terms in this record

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

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