Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 13

Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa, 1940's with Original Dial

About the Item

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 23mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 750 DIAL / HANDS: Silvered Dial with Gilt Arabic Numeral Markers / Gilt Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking classic Art Deco Tank Watch was produced by the legendary American house of Waltham, in Waltham Massachusetts's. The dial is very unusual, silvered with a circular Arabic track against the square frame. We seldom see this novel design. WALTHAM HISTORY Through the American civil war and two World Wars, and beyond, Waltham's legacy and spirit lives on in this vintage pocket watch. It is truly a representation of the idea of American Exceptionalism. The wonderfully crafted design is timeless. Even after 100 years or more, this watch can dependably be worn, used and counted on to get you there on time, every time. It is versatile enough to be worn for all types of occasions and various clothes. Wear it with a suit or even for more casual occasions but, certainly, feel confident that you are wearing a piece of history. The Waltham Watch Company was an American watch manufacturing house founded in 1850 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It was the first American company to mass-produce watches using interchangeable parts. The company's watches were known for their quality and affordability, and they quickly became popular with consumers. Waltham played a major role in the development of the American watch industry as well as establishing the concept of “mass produced” products. By the way, Henry Ford was a watchmaker, and he was inspired to build cars the same way Waltham Watches were produced, for the masses with interchangeable parts. Waltham’s success helped to make the United States a major player in the global watch market as well as promote the idea of “industrialization.” Before the Waltham Watch Company, watches were generally produced by hand, in “cottage” industries. They were owned by the wealthier class or the “working class” that needed to know the time. The company's affordable watches made them accessible to a wider range of people and helped to change the way people thought about time. Prior to this, people used their local Church bells to direct them in their daily lives. The Company continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century. During the American Civil War, they supplied watches to the military, and of course they grew because of this association. In 1885, they moved their headquarters to Waltham, Massachusetts, and changed their name to the American Waltham Watch Company. Waltham was a major exhibitor at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The company's exhibit at the exposition was housed in a large pavilion that was designed to resemble a factory. The pavilion was filled with watches of all shapes and sizes, as well as machinery used in the manufacturing process. The exhibit was a major success, and it helped to raise the profile of Waltham watches around the world. Amongst the visitors at the exhibition was a contingent from Switzerland. When they realized what Waltham was doing, they quickly understood that their methods were outdated and soon enough they would be a country unable to compete. They also went to the Waltham factory for a visit after the exhibition. It is said that they purchased a few of Waltham’s higher grade movements. The director of factory said he would have them “adjusted” before they left, but they said, it was not necessary. When they arrived back in Switzerland, they checked them and were shocked at the level of quality and accuracy. This prompted them to buy some of the equipment that Waltham was using so they could start building better watches that were less expensive and more accurate. Some of that machinery ended up in the small town of Schaffhausen and became The International Watch Company. They are still in business today making exceptional watches. The military, for any nation, is a powerful source of revenue for industrial contracts. So, any industry would prosper during war and Waltham continued to be a supplier to the military for over 100 years. Through WW 1, WW 2 and the Korean war they designed timers, navigational devices, automobiles, aviation and nautical equipment. The Waltham Watch Company, like many companies, inevitably went through a series of financial difficulties. During the 1920’s they almost went bankrupt because different departments were actually competing against each other for contracts. Some departments had made enough parts for watches to last 20 years. By then of course they would have been useless. There were several restructurings of the powerful entity but eventually in 1957, after producing about 40 million watches, the company was forced to close its doors. However, the company's legacy continues to live on. Waltham watches are still sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and the company's history is an important part of the story of American manufacturing.
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Movement:
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940's
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. It is worth noting that this watch only had a 12-month warranty when it was new. However, we are so confident of our workmanship and team that we offer an 18-month warranty on all our watches, even those over 100 years old.
  • Seller Location:
    Long Beach, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 29391stDibs: LU422321173362
More From This SellerView All
  • Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
    By Waltham
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 28mm MOVEMENT / CA...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Tonneau Shaped Watch with original Dial
    By Waltham
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Premier METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 21mm ...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Benrus Gold-Filled Art Deco Watch circa, 1940's with Original Dial
    By Benrus
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Benrus Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Curvex Style METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 28mm MOVEME...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from 1926
    By Waltham
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1926 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Width 27mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 7 Jewels / Caliber 2-ot DIAL / HANDS: Original Patinated with Luminous Arabic Numerals / Original Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a rare watch by the legendary house of Waltham, from Waltham Massachusetts. It is all original including the factory crown. The case is entirely hand made and deeply hand engraved as well. We have only seen a few examples of this model in the last 50 years. It is fitted with what appears to be an original early strap and original period buckle as well. The strap is to fragile to wear every day however, so we have also fitted it with an appropriate hand made lizard strap and the original buckle. Waltham Watch Company History The Waltham Watch Company was an American watch manufacturing house founded in 1850 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It was the first American company to mass-produce watches using interchangeable parts. The company's watches were known for their quality and affordability, and they quickly became popular with consumers. Waltham played a major role in the development of the American watch industry as well as establishing the concept of “mass produced” products. By the way, Henry Ford was a watchmaker, and he was inspired to build cars the same way Waltham Watches were produced, for the masses with interchangeable parts. Waltham’s success helped to make the United States a major player in the global watch market as well as promote the idea of “industrialization.” Before the Waltham Watch Company, watches were generally produced by hand, in “cottage” industries. They were owned by the wealthier class or the “working class” that needed to know the time. The company's affordable watches made them accessible to a wider range of people and helped to change the way people thought about time. Prior to this, people used their local Church bells to direct them in their daily lives. The Company continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century. During the American Civil War, they supplied watches to the military, and of course they grew because of this association. In 1885, they moved their headquarters to Waltham, Massachusetts, and changed their name to the American Waltham Watch Company. Waltham was a major exhibitor at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The company's exhibit at the exposition was housed in a large pavilion that was designed to resemble a factory. The pavilion was filled with watches of all shapes and sizes, as well as machinery used in the manufacturing process. The exhibit was a major success, and it helped to raise the profile of Waltham watches around the world. Amongst the visitors at the exhibition was a contingent from Switzerland. When they realized what Waltham was doing, they quickly understood that their methods were outdated and soon enough they would be a country unable to compete. They also went to the Waltham factory for a visit after the exhibition. It is said that they purchased a few of Waltham’s higher grade movements. The director of the factory said he would have them “adjusted” before they left, but they said it was not necessary. When they arrived back in Switzerland, they checked them and were shocked at the level of quality and accuracy. This prompted them to buy some of the equipment that Waltham was using so they could start building better watches that were less expensive and more accurate. Some of that machinery ended up in the small town of Schaffhausen and became The International Watch Company. They are still in business today making exceptional watches. The military, for any nation, is a powerful source of revenue for industrial contracts. So, any industry would prosper during war and Waltham continued to be a supplier to the military for over 100 years. Through WW 1...
    Category

    Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Waltham Gold-Filled Art Deco Watch with Custom Red Dial circa, 1950's
    By Waltham
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 23mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: ...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Watch
    By Waltham Watch Company
    Located in Long Beach, CA
    FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Width 28m...
    Category

    Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

You May Also Like
  • Art Deco 10k White Gold Filled Ladies Benrus Bracelet Watch, circa 1940
    By Benrus
    Located in Westward ho, GB
    For your consideration is this very attractive white gold 10k filled ladies manual wrist watch. It’s 10k white gold filled throughout (both the bracelet arms have BENRUS 1/10 10K G...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled, White Gold

  • Waltham Gold Fill Manual Wristwatch
    By Waltham
    Located in Surfside, FL
    Waltham in gold fill on leather strap. Manual w/ subseconds. 19.5 mm case size. Circa 1935 Fine Pre-owned Waltham Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Waltham watch...
    Category

    Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Art Deco Bulova Gents White Gold Fill Watch, Serviced, circa 1935
    By Bulova Watch Company
    Located in Westward ho, GB
    For your consideration is this rather stylish and unusual gents manual wrist watch dating to 1935, named Bulova Ranger in white gold fill, just serviced ( Jan 2023) with new mainspri...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled, White Gold

  • Vintage Elgin Octagonal Art Deco 14k Gold Filled Silver Floral Dial ladies Watch
    By Elgin
    Located in New York, NY
    Pre-owned Elgin Vintage Octagonal Shaped 14k White Gold Filled Silver Floral Dial Wristwatch. Patina on the Dial, Blue Hands Showing Rust. No Original Bo...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

  • Art Deco White Gold Filled Ladies Watch by Bulova, Serviced, circa 1935
    By Bulova Watch Company
    Located in Westward ho, GB
    We are delighted to be able to offer you this wonderful ladies Art Deco watch made by the American watch company Bulova. For your consideration i...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled, White Gold

  • Waltham Manual Pocket Watch Gold Filled Case
    By Waltham
    Located in Surfside, FL
    Waltham pocket watch with 20 year gold filled case. Triple sunk white dial with Arabic numerals and sub-seconds. 16 size. 19 jewel manual wind Riverside movement. 50 mm case size. Ci...
    Category

    Antique Early 1900s Pocket Watches

    Materials

    Gold-filled

Recently Viewed

View All