American gold hunting cased lever chronograph Circa 1880

Gold full hunter chronograph by American Watch Co.
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An American 18 carat gold hunting cased chronograph pocket watch, circa 1880. The movement with a lever escapement. White enamel dial with Roman hours, an outer minute track, a concentric fifth of a second track calibrated from 0-300, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, blued spade hands and a chronograph hand. A polished case with the monogram CTW on the front. Dial signed, case numbered, movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 137 g
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Signed: A.W. Co. Waltham. Mass.
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The American Waltham Watch Company (also known as the Waltham Watch Co. or American Watch Co.) was founded in 1850 and played a significant role in watchmaking history. Its innovative approach to producing standardized and interchangeable watch components revolutionized the industry. Renamed multiple times, from American Horology Company and Boston Watch Co. to Appleton Tracy & Co. and finally to American Waltham Watch Co., the company continued to thrive despite facing challenges such as bankruptcy and the American Civil War.

The introduction of the 1897 pocket watch model and the company’s role as a major supplier of railway chronometers further solidified its reputation for precision and quality. Winning accolades at international exhibitions and contributing to the progression of watchmaking, the company left a lasting impact on the global industry.

The legacy of the American Waltham Watch Company lives on with its influence reaching not only across North America but also extending to 52 other countries worldwide.