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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-wind pocket watch

Waltham Sterling Silver Key-Wind Open-Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Waltham pocket watch is an open-face, key-wind, and key-set timepiece dating to circa 1916. The watch is housed in a sterling silver case measuring 53 mm in diameter, which features a double-hinged construction and an internal dust cover also made of sterling silver. The rear of the case is decorated with traditional engine-turning and includes a blank shield cartouche. The dial is composed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals, a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position, and blued steel hands. Internally, the movement is signed 'Am. Watch Co.' and features decorative industrial engraving on the bridges. The watch includes two vintage keys used for winding and setting the time. According to the source, the timepiece is in working condition, and the case shows some natural wear to the engine-turning consistent with its age.

Front view of the Waltham open-face pocket watch with two associated winding/setting keys.
Front view of the Waltham open-face pocket watch with two associated winding/setting keys. — Ashton-Blakey Antiques via Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Waltham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1916
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 Exterior

The watch is presented in an open-face sterling silver case with a diameter of 53 mm. It features a double-hinged design, which includes an internal silver dust cover intended to protect the movement from debris. The exterior of the back cover is ornamented with a traditional engine-turned finish, featuring a central shield cartouche that remains blank and unengraved.

According to the auction description, the case is marked with hallmarks originating from Birmingham, England, although these marks are not identifiable in the provided photographs.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت دارای لولای دوگانه (دابل هینجد) بوده و مجهز به یک درپوش داخلی محافظ گرد و غبار (داست کاور) از جنس نقره استرلینگ است”
  • “پشت قاب با ماشین‌کاری ظریف سنتی آراسته شده که یک طرح سپر خالی (بدون حکاکی حرف اول نام) را در میان گرفته است”
  • “نقش‌های ماشین‌کاری پشت قاب در گذر بیش از یک قرن عمر ساعت دچار مقداری سایش طبیعی شده‌اند”

Dial and Hands

The dial is crafted from white enamel, maintaining a classical appearance. It is signed with the 'Waltham' name and features black Roman numerals to indicate the hours. A separate, recessed subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position.

The time is displayed via original blued steel hands, which contrast against the white enamel surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس مینای سفید با امضای نام سازنده، اعداد رومی مشکی، صفحه فرعی ثانیه‌شمار مجزا در موقعیت ساعت ۶ و عقربه‌های فولادی آبی‌کاری‌شده فابریک تزیین شده است”

Movement

The movement is signed 'Am. Watch Co.', referring to the American Watch Company of Waltham, Massachusetts.

The movement functions via a key-wind and key-set mechanism, and two original vintage keys are included with the watch. The auction description reports that the movement is in good working order, though no specific information regarding recent maintenance or service intervals is provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای گرید امضا شده Am. Watch Co. (کمپانی ساعت‌سازی آمریکایی والتهام) است که روی پل‌های آن حکاکی‌های صنعتی و تزئینی به چشم می‌خورد”
  • “ساعت در وضعیت کارکرد بسیار روان و سلامت فنی مناسب به سر می‌برد”
  • “همراه این ساعت دو کلید عتیقه اختصاصی نیز عرضه شده است”

Open research questions

  • Are the Birmingham hallmarks visible under magnification to determine the specific year of case assay?
  • Can the serial number on the movement be used to determine the precise year of manufacture for the caliber, separate from the date of the case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Sterling Silver Key-Wind Open-Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWaltham (Am. Watch Co.)“کمپانی نام‌آشنای والتهام (Waltham)”
Datecirca 1916“حدود ۱۹۱۶”
Case materialSterling Silver“جنس قاب: نقره استرلینگ (Sterling Silver)”
Diameter53 mm“قطر قاب: ۵۳ میلی‌متر”
Movement GradeAM W CO“گرید موتور: AM W CO”
Winding/SettingKey wind / Key set“کوک با کلید و تنظیم با کلید (Key Wind / Key Set)”
Dial MaterialWhite enamel“صفحه ساعت از جنس مینای سفید”
HallmarksBirmingham“نشان‌های اصالت نقره (هالمارک) مربوط به شهر بیرمنگام بریتانیا حک شده است.”

Visible details

  • Case back features a decorative engine-turned pattern with a blank central shield
  • Movement bridges exhibit industrial engraving patterns
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock
  • Accompanied by two distinct vintage winding and setting keys

Research qualifications

  • Service history is not documented in the provided source
  • The source mentions Birmingham hallmarks on the case, which are not clearly visible in the provided photographs

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره استرلینگ Waltham مدل اوپن‌فیس کوک با کلید حدود ۱۹۱۶

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 792571a088

Terms in this record

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

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