Waltham - Other - 1900-1949

Introduction

A handsome open-face pocket watch by the American Waltham Watch Company, signed 'WALTHAM U.S.A.' on the white enamel dial, with blued spade hands and a subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position. The movement is hand-wound, and the polished chrome-finished case is fitted with a curb-link chain. The caseback carries a Japanese engraving reading 愛国献金記念 — a commemoration of a patriotic donation — making this an historically resonant presentation piece.

Historical / Era context

Waltham, founded in 1850 in Waltham, Massachusetts, was among the pioneering manufacturers of precision machine-made pocket watch movements and exported extensively to Japan in the early twentieth century. The movement serial number 21823581 places this example within Waltham's production records for cross-reference. The 愛国献金記念 (Aikoku Kenkin Kinen — 'Patriotic Donation Commemorative') inscription on the caseback is a characteristic of Japanese presentation watches given to donors during wartime fund-raising drives, most commonly associated with the late 1930s to early 1940s. This inscription, combined with the Waltham movement, reflects the significant presence of American pocket watch movements in the Japanese luxury and presentation market of that era.

Condition

The watch is running, with a measured rate of approximately +1 minute per day (gaining). The watch was checked lying flat (dial up) after a full wind. This is a spot check at the time of listing; as a vintage mechanical watch the rate in actual wear varies with position and winding state, and long-term accuracy is not guaranteed. As a vintage timepiece it may benefit from a service.

Case: The polished case shows scattered fine surface scratches on the mid-band and caseback consistent with age and handling; the overall case form remains well-defined without denting or deformation. The hinge and snap-back function correctly.

Dial: The white enamel dial is clean and legible with all numerals and markings fully intact; there is light age-related patina at the dial edges but no cracks, chips, or significant staining.

Crystal: The crystal is present and clear with only minor surface marks; no cracks are visible.

Movement: The watch is running. With the caseback opened, the movement is signed 'A.W.W. Co. WALTHAM, MASS.' on the nickel-finished mainplate, with a decorative damascened finish on the bridges and an ornately engraved regulator arm. The movement serial 21823581 is clearly engraved on the lower bridge.

Accessories: Accompanied by a curb-link silver-toned chain with a spring-ring clasp. No box or papers.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: Waltham
Model: WALTHAM U.S.A.
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Case material: Chromed
Case diameter: approx. 43 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 51.1 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 54.3 mm
Dial color: White
Period: 1900-1949
Weight: approx. 61 g
Accessories: Chain
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: approx. +1 minute per day (checked lying flat after a full wind)

Closing note

This Waltham open-face pocket watch offers both fine American horological craftsmanship and a rare, historically significant 愛国献金記念 presentation inscription, making it a compelling piece for collectors of Waltham movements or Japanese wartime provenance. Please examine all photographs carefully to assess condition to your own satisfaction.
As with all vintage timepieces, please examine the provided photographs carefully to satisfy yourself with the condition before bidding. The watch is sold as a vintage collectible; water resistance and future maintenance are not guaranteed.
The item is carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
Import duties, taxes and customs charges are the buyer's responsibility.