
Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
14K Gold American Watch Co. Waltham, Chronograph Repeater, 1895
- Maker / attribution
- Unrecorded in source
- Date
- 1895
- Historical period
- Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)
- Country of origin
- United States
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 4778
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4778)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 14K Gold American Watch Co. Waltham, Chronograph Repeater (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 4778), this is a pocket watch, made in United States, dated 1895. The Atlas places it in the Industrial Revolution period (1850 – 1900) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop
Step into the world of timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship with the 14K Gold American Watch Co. Waltham, Chronograph Repeater from 1895, a truly exceptional find for any discerning watch collector. This rare and intricate Pocket Hunter Watch is not just a timepiece; it is a symbol of horological excellence, featuring both a chronograph function and a repeater, making it a coveted gem in the realm of antique watches. The solid 14 Karat gold case, hallmarked to confirm its authenticity, adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, while the Latin inscription “fortis et fidelis” emblazoned on the case, meaning “strong and faithful,” pays homage to the watch’s enduring craftsmanship and reliability. Measuring at a diameter of 53.5 mm, the watch is a testament to the opulence of its era, securely encased in its golden embrace. Despite bearing the marks of its age, this remarkable timepiece remains in fair condition, still capable of being wound and in working order, providing a glimpse into the precision engineering and creativity of the 19th century. Owning this American Waltham Watch Co. Pocket Hunter Watch is not just about acquiring a piece of history; it is about embracing a legacy of human ingenuity and artistic expression. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this rare and elegant timepiece to your collection and celebrate the timeless beauty and innovation that it represents. Introducing a truly exceptional find – the incredibly rare and intricate Pocket Hunter Watch by American Watch Co. Waltham. This remarkable timepiece boasts not only a chronograph function but also a repeater, making it a true gem in the world of watch collecting. The solid 14 Karat gold case adds to its beauty and is hallmarked to confirm its authenticity. Emblazoned on the case is a Latin saying, “fortis et fidelis,” which translates to “strong and faithful,” a fitting tribute to the craftsmanship and reliability of this remarkable timepiece. Measuring at a diameter of 53.5 mm (2.11 in), the case is securely encased in 14 Karat gold, giving it a luxury feel and appearance. This pocket watch is truly an antique, crafted in the 19th century, specifically around 1895. Although it bears the signs of its age, it remains in fair condition, a testimony to the enduring quality of its construction. It can still be wound and is in working order, providing a glimpse into the masterful engineering and precision that went into its creation. Owning this American Waltham Watch Co. Pocket Hunter Watch is a true privilege, as it represents not only a piece of horological history but also a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. So don’t miss the opportunity to acquire this rare timepiece and add a touch of elegance to your collection. Creator: American Waltham Watch Co. Case Material: 14k Gold,Yellow Gold Weight: 129.8 g Case Dimensions: Diameter: 53.5 mm (2.11 in) Place of Origin: United States Period: 19th Century Date of Manufacture: circa 1895 Condition: Fair
Historical context
Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)
American interchangeable-parts manufacture; railroad time standards; Swiss and German factory systems.
Machine production with interchangeable parts, pioneered by Waltham (1850s) and adopted by Elgin, Longines, Omega and others, made reliable lever watches widely affordable. Keyless winding became standard, railroad watch standards were introduced (1890s), and Swiss and American industries competed globally.
Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Precision & Scientific Horology
Atlas type guide
Repeating watches
Before electric light, telling the time in the dark was a real problem. Repeating watches strike the time on demand when a slide or push-piece is operated: quarter repeaters sound hours and quarters, minute repeaters hours, quarters and minutes. Edward Barlow and Daniel Quare disputed the invention in London in the 1680s. Early repeaters struck on a bell inside the case; Abraham-Louis Breguet introduced the gong (a coiled steel wire) around 1780, allowing thinner watches.
Repeaters require a separate train with racks, snails and a governor to control the striking speed, and are among the most demanding complications to make and adjust. Swiss makers of the Vallée de Joux specialised in repeating ébauches in the nineteenth century.
What to look for
- A slide on the case band or a push-piece through the pendant.
- Gongs encircling the movement (after c. 1780) or a bell in the case (earlier); pierced case for sound.
- The racks, snails and governor visible under the dial or on the movement.
- Terms such as 'Minutes', 'Quarts' or 'Répétition' on the dial or cuvette.
Dating clues
- Bell-striking quarter repeaters: c. 1690–1800.
- Gong repeaters and dumb repeaters (striking on the case): after c. 1780.
- Minute repeaters became more common after c. 1830 with Vallée de Joux ébauches.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Read next:Minute repeater
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