Rare Waltham Watch
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Rare Waltham Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Rare Waltham Watch?
Finding the Right Watches for You
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.
- What is a Waltham watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024A Waltham watch is a timepiece made by one of two manufacturers. The original maker of Waltham watches was the Waltham Watch Company, which operated from 1850 to 1981. During that period, Waltham manufactured more than 40 million watches and clocks. After the company closed, one of its subsidiaries, Waltham, SA, continued the production of Waltham watches. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Waltham watches.
- How old are Waltham watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024The American Waltham Watch Company is more than 150 years old. Aaron Lufkin Dennison established it in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1854. Today, people remember Dennison and his company for introducing the concept of interchangeable parts in watches. This innovation was a landmark in the history of watches, allowing timepieces to be manufactured more quickly. Explore a variety of American Waltham Watch Company watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024The oldest Waltham watch is the Waltham Model 1857 pocket watch. Introduced in 1857, this mechanical pocket watch was the first American-made pocket watch to ever enjoy widespread commercial success. Waltham began making wristwatches in the early 20th century. One of its first models that went on to generate significant sales was the Riverside, which debuted in 1912. Shop a selection of Waltham watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Waltham watches valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, some Waltham watches are valuable. The 14-karat and 18-karat gold pocket watches produced by the American watchmaker during the late 19th century tend to be the most collectable. Generally, the type, model, age and condition of the watch will determine how much it's worth. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist with the valuation process. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Waltham watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Waltham stopped making its watches in 1957, and became known as the Waltham Precision Instruments Company. During its time, Waltham made over 40 million watches. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Waltham pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Waltham watches went out of business in 1957 when the original owners of the Waltham Watch Company filed for bankruptcy. However, that wasn't the end of the Waltham brand. Until the 1980s, a new owner produced Waltham watches in the Waltham Watch Company's former factory. Today, Waltham S.A. continues to manufacture mechanical watches that bear the Waltham name. Shop a variety of Waltham watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Waltham pocket watches are more than 150 years old. The American watchmaker introduced its first pocket watch in 1857, and it called this groundbreaking watch the Model 1857 in honor of its launch date. Waltham went on to become one of the leading makers of pocket watches for personal use and the railroad industry in the U.S. Shop a diverse assortment of Waltham watches on 1stDibs.
- How rare are AP watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Many people would consider AP watches to be rare. The Swiss luxury watchmaker typically manufactures only around 40,000 timepieces per year, and demand for them tends to be high. As a result, there are often lengthy waiting lists for Audemars Piguet watches. However, you can still find various models for sale on trusted online platforms. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Audemars Piguet watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To open a Waltham pocket watch, seek the help of an experienced watch repairer. Opening a pocket watch on your own could end up damaging the timepiece. A professional has the tools necessary to perform the task safely. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Waltham pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell how old your Waltham pocket watch is, open up the back and locate the serial number. The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors has a searchable serial number database that you can use to look up the number you find. With just a few clicks, this resource will tell you about your watch's year of production, model number, materials and more. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Waltham pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024The history of the American Waltham Watch Company started in 1854, when Aaron Lufkin Dennison founded the company in Waltham, Massachusetts. There, it began to manufacture watches with interchangeable parts, a new approach to production that allowed the company to prepare watches much more quickly than its competitors. Still, the company experienced economic hardships during its early years, and Dennison was forced to sell his company to Royal E. Robbins in 1857. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Robbins and his business partners, Henry Asher Robbins and Daniel F. Appleton, capitalized on the military's need for reliable watches by introducing an inexpensive $13 timepiece called the William Ellery. Following the war, the company became a supplier to major railways. After a period of sluggish sales as a result of the Panic of 1907, the American Waltham Watch Company revived the business by expanding its manufacturing into fuses and other essential materials for World War I. By the 1920s, the company was producing wristwatches and continued to do so despite changes in ownership during the 1950s and ’60s. By the 1970s, the company was no longer manufacturing watches but had licensed its name to other watchmakers, a practice that continues to this day. On 1stDibs, find a range of American Waltham Watch Company watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024No, the Waltham Watch Company does not still exist. The watchmaker went out of business in 1981. However, a subsidiary of the original company, Waltham, SA, does continue to manufacture timepieces. Shop a range of Waltham Watch Company watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Waltham pocket watches were made from 1850 to 1957. The Waltham Watch Company also produced clocks, compasses, speedometers and precision instruments at its factories in Massachusetts. Shop a collection of Waltham pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Real gold Waltham pocket watches will include a stamp on the rear of the case cover indicating the karat of gold used to create the watch. Several other stamped lines may also indicate a gold watch. However, the best way to determine if a gold Waltham pocket watch is authentic is to work with a certified appraiser. Find a variety of expertly vetted gold Waltham pocket watches on 1stDibs.
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