American Waltham Watch Company — Model 1857 Pocket Watch Movement
Also known as: Waltham Model 1857
DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.
Period
1857–1880s
Issuing entity
United StatesMaker / issuer
American Waltham Watch Company
Key-wound, key-set 18-size full plate pocket watch movement, the first Waltham model produced in quantity with interchangeable parts.
Historical context
The Model 1857 established American machine-made watchmaking. Movements were supplied to the trade and cased separately, so case and movement of a surviving watch are frequently not original to each other.
Physical characteristics
- Size
- 18 size (American sizing)
- Plate layout
- Full plate
Technical characteristics
- Winding
- Key wind, key set
- Escapement
- Lever
- Jewel count
- Varies by grade
Design
- Dial
- Typically white enamel with Roman or Arabic numerals
- Movement
- Grade name and serial number engraved on the plate
Identification
- Key diagnostics
- Serial number on the movement plate dates production; grade names identify the finish level
- Common confusions
- Cases are frequently later replacements — case and movement must be assessed separately
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
- Serial-number-to-year table pending transcription from a verified published source.
- Full list of grades within the model pending verification.