Waltham 8-day desk clock with ship wheel case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This Waltham desk clock, dating to approximately 1900, is housed in a decorative metal case designed as a ship's wheel. The timepiece features an eight-day movement, designed for household or office use to minimize the frequency of manual winding.
The clock measures 17 centimeters in height, 12 centimeters in width, and 8.5 centimeters in depth. The dial displays Arabic numerals and is fitted with hands characterized by a wheel-like design. The auction description reports the clock is in good working order and notes that the dial is clean. The metal case exhibits visible signs of age. The winding mechanism is located at the rear of the clock. While the case incorporates a nautical theme, the source notes that this design does not signify the clock was intended for maritime use on a vessel.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1900
- Type
- Desk clock
- Maker
- Waltham
- Movement
- 8-day
- Dimensions
- 17 x 12 x 8.5 cm
- Case design
- Ship wheel
- Maker / attribution
- Waltham
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is encased in a metal frame modeled after a ship's steering wheel, mounted upon a cylindrical pillar and a circular base. The structure utilizes nautical-themed ornamentation, a style associated with decorative desk timepieces of the early twentieth century. The case measures 17 centimeters in height, 12 centimeters in width, and 8.5 centimeters in depth, with the seller noting that the exterior displays visible signs of age and patina. The dial is circular and features black printed Arabic numerals. The hands are designed with a circular motif, referred to in the source as a Mercedes-style pattern. The dial surface is reported to be clean, and the text 'WALTHAM' and '8 DAYS' is printed centrally to identify the manufacturer and the movement duration.
- Visible features
- • Arabic numerals on dial • '8 DAYS' printed below center of dial • Ship wheel design case on circular base • Mercedes-style hand design
- Movement and Mechanics
- The timepiece is powered by an eight-day movement. This specification allowed for reduced interaction with the clock, as the mainspring required winding significantly less frequently than a standard daily-wound mechanism. The winding mechanism is positioned at the back of the clock housing. The current working condition is described as functional, and the auction house reports that the movement has been serviced by them, though documentation of specific parts replaced or mechanical test results were not provided in the listing description.
- Attribution and Condition
- The object is attributed to the Waltham company and dated to circa 1900. While the maritime imagery of the case is prominent, the listing clarifies that this design is decorative and does not imply that the object was used as a chronometer or timepiece on a ship. The auction house reports the clock is in good working order and maintains a clean dial, though the case shows historical wear.
Identification
- Serial number
- JN125
- Inventory code
- JN125
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Age and origin attributed by seller only
- Research required: Working condition reported by seller without independent verification