Waltham - De Luxe - No reserve price - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An embodiment of mid-century sophistication, this Waltham De Luxe represents a refined era of Swiss manufacturing for the historic brand. Distinguished by its impressive 30-jewel automatic movement and a striking "Since 1850" gold medallion caseback, this timepiece offers collectors a blend of technical capability and dress watch elegance. The sharp, twisted lugs and radiant silver sunburst dial create a presence on the wrist that is both classic and commanding, making it an excellent choice for the vintage enthusiast seeking style and substance. Brand: Waltham Model: De Luxe Movement: Automatic AS 1700/01, 30 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Back Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showing very light signs of wear with a pristine dial and sharp case geometry. Dial and Hands The dial features a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, serving as a clean backdrop for the applied gold-tone baton indices. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and corrosion-free, complemented by a central sweep seconds hand. A date window is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark, magnified by a cyclops integrated into the crystal. The text is crisp and legible, proudly signing "Waltham De Luxe" and "30 Jewels," indicating the high-grade specification of the movement. Case and Crystal The 36mm case features an attractive gold-plated finish with distinctively shaped, twisted lugs that add architectural interest to the profile. The case lines remain well-defined, showing only minor surface handling marks consistent with careful usage. The caseback is a highlight of this model, crafted in stainless steel and featuring a prominent central gold-tone medallion embossed with the Waltham "W" logo and "Since 1850," celebrating the brand's heritage. The acrylic crystal is clear and includes a date magnifier, offering excellent visibility. Movement Powering the watch is a high-jewel count automatic movement based on the reputable A. Schild caliber 1700/01. This specific iteration is upgraded to 30 jewels, significantly higher than the standard 17 or 21 jewels common for the era, reducing friction and enhancing longevity. The rotor is signed "Waltham Watch Co." and the movement is clean, offering reliable vintage performance and running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a new brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrast stitching. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle that complements the case finish, ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible spotting or patina. The case retains its gold plating well, with no significant plating loss or deep scratches, only showing faint hairline marks typical of a watch of this age. The movement is clean and the date function operates correctly. Dimensions With a diameter of 36mm excluding the crown, the watch sits prominently on the wrist, offering a classic vintage size that slides easily under a dress cuff. The lug-to-lug length ensures a balanced presence suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Waltham De Luxe is a standout example of the brand's Swiss period, offering a higher specification than many of its contemporaries thanks to the 30-jewel movement. The combination of the "Since 1850" medallion caseback and the sculpted lugs gives it a collector-grade appeal. It is a robust and stylish dress watch that bridges the gap between American heritage and Swiss horology. History Founded in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1850, the Waltham Watch Company was a pioneer in American industrial watchmaking, introducing the interchangeable parts system to the industry. By the mid-20th century, as the industry shifted, Waltham began importing high-grade Swiss movements to maintain their reputation for quality. This De Luxe model hails from that transitional "Swiss Era," utilizing reliable Swiss engineering while honoring the brand's long-standing history dating back to the mid-19th century. / Second Vintage SKU: WAL-WDJ-0001