Description: AMERICAN WATCH CO. 1859 – 1873 Boston, Mass. Commonly referred to as “The Mother of all American Watch Companies”, this manufacturer was a international pioneer in watch production and accuracy. They were the first to gain independence from European watch providers in the New World. But more than that, they sought to provide a more accurate watch at a affordable price to the American Citizen. After beginning activity in Boston by the Boston Watch Co. 1853 – 1859, In January 1859, the Waltham Improvement Co. and the Appleton, Tracy & Co. merged to form the American Watch Company. In 1860, as Lincoln was elected president and the country was in Civil War, the American Watch Co. was faced with serious problems. The next year, business came to a standstill. There seemed to be little hope of finding a market for watches, and bankruptcy again seemed close at hand. At this point it was decided to cut expenditures to the lowest possible figure and keep the factory in operation. American horology owes much to members of the Waltham Watch group such as Bacon, Church, Dennison, Fogg, Howard, Marsh, Webster, and Woerd, who contributed much to its development and success. In early 1861, the name “J. Watson” appeared on model 1857 (first run: nos. 23,601 to 24,300 total production 1200). The next model 1857 was the “R.E. Robbins” of which 2800 were made. The William Ellery marked: Em Ellery, (model 1857) was then introduced with the first serial number of 46,201. It was key wind and key set and has 7 to 15 jewels. A size 10 women’s watch was made in July of 1861 with the first serial numbers of 44,201. It was marked “Appleton, Tracy & Co gold balance, ky wind and key set, ¾ plate, 13 to 15 jewels. Some were marked “P.S. Bartlett” and a 15 jewel was marked “Appleton, Tracy & Co.” A special model, 10 size, serial numbers of 45,801 to 46,200, is extremely rare. By 1957, 35,000,000 watches were produced, and the factories closed forever.The example presented here is an pre-CIVIL WAR all-original AMERICAN Watch Co. P.S. Bartlett, 1857 Model Solid steel Balance, Full plate gilt, Serial Number 31,361 (Circa: Spring 1861). White porcelain no sunk dial marked AMERICAN WATCH Co. in a arc. Distraction free, no hairlines. Original 3oz. silver key wind hunting case engine turned crested and free of any personalization. Remarkable original condition! Marked: AM. WATCH Co./WALTHAM, Mass./FF231 on inside of front lid.Just removed from my personal inventory. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME. NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 13,500 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence. OTHER NICE FEATURES: Free U.S. FEDEX Shipping. $58 FEDEX overseas.
Price: 2950 USD
Location: Santa Monica, California
End Time: 2023-11-09T22:44:57.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
Pocket Watch Size: 18
Number of Jewels: 7 Jewels
Indices: Roman Numerals
Year Manufactured: 1861
Vintage: Yes
Brand: Waltham
Case Color: Silver
Department: Men
Type: Pocket Watch
Dial Color: White
Model: 1857 Model
Style: Dress/Formal
Features: 12-Hour Dial
Case Material: Silver
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Display: Roman figures