Waltham Watch Serial Number List: A Guide to Identifying Your Vintage Timepiece

For anyone interested in collecting vintage Waltham watches, identifying the serial number is crucial. The serial number can help determine the production year and model of your watch. In this article, we will explore how to find the serial number on a Waltham pocket watch and what it reveals about the watch's history.

Locating the Serial Number

The most reliable way to locate the serial number is by inspecting the watch movement. After 1852, Waltham pocket watches featured a unique engraved serial number. To identify your watch, you can use an online database to compare the serial number with matching years.

Identifying Golden Case Models

Watches with golden cases are easily identifiable thanks to the letter 'K' accompanied by numbers 9, 14, or 18. The presence of these symbols indicates a golden case model.

Inspecting the Watch's Inner Working Surface

To inspect the inner working surface of your watch, you will need to open the back cover and use a magnifying glass. Look for engraved signs Waltham, Mass, and A.W.W.Co. These marks are essential in verifying the authenticity of your watch.

Waltham Watch History

The American Watch Co., also known as Waltham, has been producing pocket watches for over 150 years. Founded by Aaron Dennison, David Davis, and Edward Howard in 1850, the company was a pioneer in mass-producing watch movements, making high-quality timepieces more accessible to the public.

Collecting Vintage Waltham Watches

Today, vintage Waltham watches are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and luxury craftsmanship. Although the company is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on through modern quartz models bearing the Waltham name. However, these newer watches are not produced by the original American Watch Co.

Identifying your vintage Waltham watch's serial number can be a fascinating journey into the past. By following official guidelines and inspecting the inner working surface of your watch, you can uncover its history and value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply fascinated by horology, understanding your watch's serial number is an essential step in appreciating its craftsmanship and significance.

Waltham watch serial number list