In 1860, as President Abraham Lincoln was elected, the country was in Civil War. Production ground to a halt. However, the company decided to downsize to the lowest possible level to keep the factory open. It worked: Upon his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln became the proud owner of a Waltham Model 1857 "Wm. Ellery" pocket watch, the same model offered here today. President Lincoln's watch - made in January 1863 - resides in the collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian.
According to the company's hand-written ledger, this watch was finished between April and July 1865 (see a photo of the page below). Here is a little more about it...
- Handsome and heavy 3 oz. coin silver hunting case which is very substantial
- Original porcelain dial
- Extra large 18 size, measuring 62mm in diameter
- Key wound movement with winding key
The time period this watch was finished being manufactured falls closely with the ending of the Civil War, as General Lee surrendered on April 9th marking the effective end of the conflict, as Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured on May 10th, and as General Stand Watie was the final Confederate general to surrender on June 23rd.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Please kindly note that these were not highly jeweled watches, and after 150 years the movements generally have some wear from use. Ours is running and keeping generally accurate time for one of these watches, but please do not expect precision timekeeping closer than a few minutes per day.
Photos of the inside available upon request.
Accompanying the watch is a period key.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
This a rare opportunity to own an exciting historical timepiece from a prominent American watchmaker.
- Manufacturer: American Watch Co./Waltham
- Country of origin: U.S.A.
- Serial no.: 166,412
- Date finished: April - July 1865
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Nickel
- Case markings (inside): Warranted Silver Coin, 2323
- Case condition: Honest original condition with age appropriate wear
- Dimensions: 62mm diameter (excluding the crown)
- Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, just short of mint condition
- Hands: Period, blue steel
- Movement markings: Wm. Ellery, Waltham, Mass., 166,412
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Please kindly note that these were not highly jeweled watches, and after 150 years the movements generally have some wear from use. Ours is running and keeping generally accurate time for one of these watches, but please do not expect precision timekeeping closer than a few minutes per day. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of four watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; KEY - Period winding/setting key
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
