American Waltham Watch Company — A Fine and Rare 18k Gold Open-Face Pocket Watch

The Cronometro Victoria is one of Waltham’s most fascinating creations — a watch that tells not just time, but a story of international prestige. Crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and measuring 47.5mm, this elegant pocket chronometer was built expressly for the Latin American market, where Waltham’s reputation for accuracy was held in the highest regard. Its white enamel dial, with bold Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, and a perfectly balanced subsidiary seconds at six o’clock, remains as striking today as it was over a century ago. Beneath the dial beats a richly damascened nickel movement, fully jeweled and signed Cronometro Victoria – A.W.W. Co. Waltham, a testament to the company’s commitment to precision and beauty in equal measure. Unlike Waltham’s mass-produced domestic models, the Cronometro Victoria was made in smaller numbers to chronometer standards, intended for discerning clients who demanded the very best. Surviving examples in solid gold cases with untouched enamel dials are rare, and this piece captures that perfect blend of artistry, engineering, and international history. For collectors, it represents not only one of Waltham’s most collectible export models, but also a unique reminder of how American watchmaking achieved global acclaim at the dawn of the 20th century.