Waltham Grade No. 161 (7 Jewel) Hunter Case Pocket Watch
Pocket Watch (Hunter Case) · American Waltham Watch Company (AWWCo), pioneer of the American System of Watch Manufacturing
Period: Victorian / Gilded Age (Late 19th Century)
Type
Pocket Watch (Hunter Case)
Brand
American Waltham Watch Company (AWWCo), pioneer of the American System of Watch Manufacturing
Movement
Manual/Hand-wound, Bridge Plate Construction, 7 Jewels, Lever Escapement, approx. 30-36 hour power reserve
Dimensions
Size 16s (approx. 43mm movement, 48-50mm case diameter), 12-14mm thick
Description
A classic American-made hunter case pocket watch from the height of the railroad era. The movement is visible through the opened hinged caseback, revealing the gilded plates and steel gears typical of Waltham's robust domestic production. This piece represents the democratization of timekeeping during the industrial revolution.
Key Features
Finger-bridge movement architecture, 'onion' crown, bi-metallic compensated balance wheel, and hand-decorated gilded movement plates.
Dial Description
White enamel/porcelain (not visible, on reverse), likely featuring Roman or Arabic numerals and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock
Case Material
Gold-filled or 10k-14k Yellow Gold with scrollwork engraving
Crystal Type
Likely mineral glass (internal, protecting dial under the snap-front hunter cover)
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated bezel as part of a three-piece hunter case system
Crown & Pushers
Large 'onion' style winding crown on a long stem at 3 o'clock; likely lever-set or pendant-set
Bracelet or Strap
None; features a circular bow for attachment to a pocket watch chain or fob
Caseback Details
Hinged double back (cuvette/dust cover); internal engravings visible on movement including 'Waltham, Mass.' and serial number
Movement Type
Manual/Hand-wound, Bridge Plate Construction, 7 Jewels, Lever Escapement, approx. 30-36 hour power reserve
Water Resistance
0 ATM (None); exposure to water will cause immediate damage to the dial and movement.
Origin & Provenance
USA (Waltham, Massachusetts); Mass-produced using interchangeable precision parts
Age Estimate
Circa 1890–1905 (based on movement serial number style and bridge architecture)
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from handmade European horology to the American system of mass production, which revolutionized accuracy and pricing in the late 1800s.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition; visible wear on the case gilding. The movement shows minor oxidation and dust. The bow and crown show heavy mechanical use. Overall Grade: Good/Very Good (Vintage).
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 (highly dependent on gold content of the case and movement functional status)
Care & Maintenance
Mechanical service every 5-7 years. Do not overwind. Keep away from moisture and strong magnetic fields. Use a soft cloth for case cleaning.
Similar Watches
Elgin National Watch Co. Grade 291, Illinois Watch Co. 'Bunn Special', or Hamilton 992 (though Hamilton is generally higher grade).
Interesting Facts
Waltham provided watches for Abraham Lincoln and pioneered the machinery that allowed watches to be affordable for the middle class, rather than just the elite.