American Waltham Watch Co. Hunter Case ‘P.S. Bartlett’ Grade Pocket Watch
Pocket Watch (Hunter Case) · Waltham Watch Company (American Waltham Watch Co.), Massachusetts, USA. High-tier industrial manufacturer known for precision and interchangeable parts.
Period: Victorian Era (Late 19th Century/Gilded Age). Characterized by ornate floral hand-engraving, scrolling leaf motifs, and 'fancy' enamel dials common between 1880 and 1900.
Type
Pocket Watch (Hunter Case)
Brand
Waltham Watch Company (American Waltham Watch Co.), Massachusetts, USA. High-tier industrial manufacturer known for precision and interchangeable parts.
Movement
Manual-wind, lever-set movement. Likely 18-size, P.S. Bartlett grade. Features include 7 to 15 jewels, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a slow-beat escapement (18,000 vph).
Dimensions
Diameter: 50-54mm (Size 18s); Thickness: 15-18mm; Large presence typical of American Victorian 'Railroad' era sizing.
Description
A quintessential American pocket watch featuring a stunning multi-color hunter case and a rare 'fancy dial.' The exterior is a masterpiece of Victorian metalwork, while the interior houses a robust P.S. Bartlett grade movement—the workhorse of the Waltham line. Its heavy weight and intricate engraving made it a status symbol of the American middle and upper class during the industrial boom.
Key Features
Lever-set movement (requires opening the bezel to pull a lever before turning the crown to set time), ornate floral engraved case, and the 'Fancy' enamel dial with gold foil highlights.
Dial Description
White vitreous enamel 'fancy' dial. Features gold paillon (foil) dots, a decorative floral center, and black Roman numeral indices. Blued steel spade or 'beetle and poker' hands.
Case Material
Rose Gold-Filled or 14k Gold Multi-Color Case. Features deep hand-engraved scrolling (repoussé style) and multi-tone decorative elements. Finished with a combination of high-polish interiors and textured exteriors.
Crystal Type
High-domed mineral glass or acrylic replacement. Located under the hunter cover. Shows minor dust but appears clear.
Bezel Details
Fixed internal bezel holding the crystal. Decorative coin-edge or smooth finish integrated into the hunter case frame.
Crown & Pushers
Large 'onion' style fluted winding crown at 3 o'clock (standard for hunter cases). Integrated push-button in the crown to release the front cover spring latch.
Bracelet or Strap
None. Designed for a watch chain (fob) attached via the circular bow above the crown.
Caseback Details
Double-hinged hunter case. Outer back is engraved with a blank cartouche for initials. Inner dust cover (cuvette) protects the movement.
Movement Type
Manual-wind, lever-set movement. Likely 18-size, P.S. Bartlett grade. Features include 7 to 15 jewels, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a slow-beat escapement (18,000 vph).
Water Resistance
Non-existent. These cases are not sealed; moisture and dust entry is expected. Must be kept away from humid environments.
Origin & Provenance
USA (Waltham, Massachusetts). Key example of the American System of Watchmaking which dominated the global market in the late 1800s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885–1895. Based on the 'AWWCo' branding and the transition from key-wind to stem-wind/lever-set configurations.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of American industrial dominance in horology. These watches transitioned the world from expensive, hand-made European pieces to reliable, mass-produced precision instruments available to the public.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The case engraving remains sharp with little 'brassing' (wear-through to the base metal). The dial appears free of 'hairline' cracks. Movement shows some oxidation on the steel winding wheels. Latch mechanism appears functional.
Value Estimate
$350 - $850 USD. Value is driven by the gold content of the case and the decorative 'fancy' dial, which is highly sought after by collectors compared to plain dials.
Care & Maintenance
Requires professional cleaning and oiling every 5-10 years. Avoid overwinding. Do not snap the hunter case shut; depress the crown button while closing to prevent wear on the gold catch.
Similar Watches
Elgin National Watch Co. Size 18 Hunter; Illinois Watch Co. 'Bunn Special'; Hamilton Grade 926. Waltham is often preferred for its case ornamentation.
Interesting Facts
Waltham was the first company to mass-produce watches with interchangeable parts. Abraham Lincoln carried a Waltham 'Wm. Ellery' grade pocket watch during the Civil War.