Dennison Howard & Davis Waltham Pocket Watch CA1857 | Keywind Keyset

One of the earliest collectible Waltham pocket watches produced during the Dennison, Howard & Davis era, representing the birth of large-scale American watch manufacturing.

Offered here is a remarkable and historically significant Dennison, Howard & Davis Waltham pocket watch manufactured circa 1857, representing one of the earliest and most desirable periods of American horological production. Named for the founders of the company that would eventually become the famed American Waltham Watch Company, these early Dennison, Howard & Davis watches occupy a special place in the history of American watchmaking and are highly sought after by advanced collectors.

Produced during the pioneering years of interchangeable-part watch manufacturing in the United States, this watch embodies the innovation that transformed the American watch industry and established Waltham as the nation's premier watch manufacturer. Surviving examples from this early period are increasingly difficult to acquire, particularly those retaining their original character and strong overall condition.

The watch houses a signed gilt full plate movement featuring 11 jewels, lever escapement, and traditional keywind and keyset operation. The movement displays the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of Waltham's earliest high-grade production, with attractive gilt finishing and the substantial architecture associated with mid-nineteenth-century American pocket watches.

The white porcelain dial is fitted with classic Roman numerals, complementing the watch's period appearance and preserving the elegant styling favored during the 1850s. The dial remains in very good condition, contributing significantly to the watch's visual appeal.

Protecting the movement is an 18-size coin silver open face case that remains in very good condition. Coin silver cases were widely used during the mid-nineteenth century and provide an authentic period-correct presentation that collectors appreciate. The plain case design allows the focus to remain on the watch's historical importance and mechanical significance.

As one of the foundational products of the future Waltham Watch Company, the Dennison, Howard & Davis model represents a milestone in American industrial and horological history. Its early production date, founder-associated designation, keywind operation, and connection to America's first successful watch factory make it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of early American pocket watches and museum-quality horological artifacts.

Details:

MAKE

Manufacturer: Waltham
Model: Dennison Howard & Davis
Country: USA
Type: Man’s
Serial #: 4779
Circa Date: 1857
CASE
Size: 18 Size.
Style: Open Face.
Material: Coin Silver.
Decorations:  Plain.
Conditions:  C  3  (The case is in Very Good condition)
DIAL
Color: White.
Type: Porcelain.
Numerals: Roman Numerals.
Conditions:  D  3  (The dial is in Very Good condition)
MOVEMENT
Jewels: 11 Jewels.
Setting: Key Set.
Escapement: Lever Escapement.
Material: Gilt.
Layout: Full Plate Layout.
Signed:  Yes.
Conditions:  M  3  (The movement is in Very Good condition)