VERY EARLY SERIAL No. 3020

DENNISON, HOWARD & DAVIS

HEAVY 5oz COIN SILVER HUNTING CASE

KEY WIND POCKET WATCH – c.1857

The American Waltham Watch Company was founded through the pioneering collaboration of Aaron Lufkin Dennison, Edward Howard, and David Davis, and laid the foundations for industrialised watchmaking in America.

This example is an exceptionally early and rare “DENNISON, HOWARD & DAVIS” model, dating to 1857, and bearing the remarkably low movement serial number 3020. Watches from this formative period are highly sought after by collectors, representing Waltham’s earliest commercial production.

This is a key wind, key set hunter pocket watch, housed in a substantial and high-quality silver case, and remains in excellent condition for a piece approaching 170 years of age.

THE CASE

The watch is housed in a heavily constructed quadruple-hinged Coin Silver (0.900 fine) hunting case, weighing approximately 5 ounces. The presence of large offset gold hinges to the outer covers is a clear indicator of a high-grade case, typically reserved for better movements.

• Stamped “Coin Silver” to the interior

• Case serial number: TM7350

• Unengraved cartouche to the front cover

The case is in bright, clean condition, with no dents or marks of any significance.

The front cover springs open cleanly to 90 degrees when the pendant button is pressed and latches securely on closure. The remaining covers also open to approximately 90 degrees on sound, tight hinges. The glass crystal is in very good condition.

Dimensions & Weight:

• Total weight (including movement): 196g (6.9oz)

• Diameter: 61.9mm

• Height (base to top of bow): 91.7mm

THE MOVEMENT

The movement is a 15-jewel (16,200 bph) key wind, key set calibre, signed Waltham and correctly marked “DENNISON, HOWARD & DAVIS.”

• Movement serial number: 3020

• Production date: 1857

• Key wind and key set configuration

• Serviced, running strongly, and keeping good time

A correct winding key is supplied with the watch. The dust cover features a winding aperture, as expected for this period (see photographs).

Hand setting:

To set the hands, open the front bezel using the fingernail cut-out near 5 o’clock, then apply the key to the squared centre arbor to adjust the hands.

THE DIAL & HANDS

The original white porcelain dial features:

• Black Roman hour numerals

• Sub-seconds dial positioned above 6 o’clock

The dial is in very good condition, with no chips or hairline cracks.

The original blued steel hands remain in excellent condition, as does the glass crystal.

• Extremely early Dennison, Howard & Davis production

• Low serial number 3020, dating firmly to 1857

• Heavy, high-quality Coin Silver case with gold hinges

• Serviced and running well

• An important example from the dawn of American watchmaking

This is a museum-grade early Waltham, ideal for the serious collector of American horology or early industrial watchmaking.

A true survivor from the birth of American industrial watchmaking — ready to wear, display or treasure.

A superb example of American horology at its best, 1857 not to be missed!!

* Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*

Please note this Dennison Howard & Davis is over 100 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.

(339)