American chronograph with American and Naval flags Circa 1887

Gold, enamel, and diamond set chronograph by American Watch Co., Waltham
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An American gold hunting cased keyless lever chronograph watch with enamel and diamond set American and Naval flags, circa 1887. Model 1874. This watch features a 14 size, nickel ¾ plate lever movement with 15 jewels, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a partially visible chronograph mechanism on the backplate. It is engraved with the patent date of September 28, 1880, along with the English Patent No. 3224. The watch includes a safety pinion and is signed and numbered by A.W. Co., Waltham, Mass., with the number 2809948. The white enamel dial has black Arabic numerals and red numerals on the outer chronograph seconds scale, along with subsidiary seconds at six o’clock. It is adorned with blued steel hands and is also signed by the American Watch Co., Waltham.
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The case is made of 18 carat gold and is ornately engraved with scroll and foliage decorations. The front features a diamond and enamel design of the American Naval Admiral’s flag, while the back showcases the early 13star American flag and a scroll with the motto Our country, right or wrong. Inside the case back, the watch is engraved with the name J. Frederick Hellweg, along with the inscription from Mother USN, 1900, and is numbered 2809948. The cuvette contains an applied tintype image of three generations of ladies, and it is engraved Made by J. S. MacDonald, Baltimore and numbered 2809948 & 279.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Signed: Am. Watch Co., Waltham
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The movement is operational, but the chronograph button does not seem to engage or function. The dial is in good condition, with no visible cracks. The enamel case back has some scratches over the “our country right or wrong” text. Overall, the case is in good condition, with no dents and sharp engraving.
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J. Frederick Hellweg was awarded the Navy Cross in 1918 and ultimately retired with the rank of Rear Admiral.
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There is much controversy surrounding the true identity of the designer of the original American flag. However, the pattern of 13 stars seen here remains one of the most recognisable designs. This particular flag was initially created by Francis Hopkinson, a U.S. Congressman, around 1777. The Navy primarily used this flag design for practicality between 1850 and 1916. The reduced number of stars allowed them to be larger and more distinguishable from greater distances by other ships.