1953 Waltham De Luxe Autochron "25" Jewels 35mm

Here we have a 1953 Waltham De Luxe Autochron "25" Jewels 35mm round stainless steel case that curves over your wrist with tapered twisted lugs, and a lug-to-lug length of 42.5mm and a case thickness of 10.5mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side is a signed crown with knurling for grip. A smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a sector-style dial. An outer minute track surrounds the applied facet tombstone indexes, marking the hours; at 3 o’clock, as you rotate your wrist, they shimmer in the light; a framed date window with cyclops magnification elegant steel Dauphine hands are complemented by tapered sweeping second-hand. At noon, we have the Waltham motif “De Luxe” underneath, and at 6 o’clock, Autochron “25” Jewels complete this sophisticated timepiece. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the Waltham motif engraved and the serial number inside an automatic ETA Cal. 1258, 25 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour. This quality movement was in production from 1953 until 1955. It comes paired with a 19mm leather strap and original Waltham pin buckle.

This watch is sold as “Watch Only.” It comes with a 19mm leather strap and original Waltham pin buckle. It is from Circa. 1953 and is in wonderful vintage condition, as you can see. The original dial with the facet-edged batons has an even patina, signs of wear and age are to be expected. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

This Waltham is one from the personal collection and one I'll be sad to see go. All original including reverse cyclops crystal, signed crown, wonderful Waltham signed ETA 1258 and even it's Waltham buckle which I have never seen before and is no doubt worth a few £ on its own. I would not hesitate to snap this up before I change my wind!

Reference : W.L.P. 133 / 1258
Movement : Automatic ETA Cal. 1258
Age : Circa. 1953
Year : 1953
Case Size : 35mm
Case Thickness : 10.5mm
Lug to Lug : 42.5mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 1850, Aaron Dennison founded Waltham, a company that completely transformed watchmaking by introducing the American Watchmaking System. This innovative system was based on the concept of interchangeable parts, which had never been employed before in watchmaking. Waltham's precision machinery ensured that each component was identical, making the assembly and mass production of reliable watches more efficient. Waltham's success grew with the release of the Model 1857, the first American-made pocket watch to achieve practical success. This was a turning point for the company, manufacturing a range of pocket watches, including high-end, elaborately decorated movements like the "Vanguard." Thanks to its reputation for precision, Waltham became the preferred choice for the American railroad system. Its dependable timepieces ensured strict schedules were maintained, contributing to national growth and synchronisation. Despite facing significant challenges, Waltham persevered and became a crucial supplier for the US military during World War II. Their factories produced pocket compasses, timepieces for soldiers, and timing devices for weaponry. In January 1958, an agreement was reached between the Axler-led Waltham Watch Co. and the Chicago-based Hallmark Watch Co. They moved their operations from Massachusetts to Chicago. In the summer of 1962, Waltham opened a new factory in Neuchatel, Switzerland. In 1968, it was announced that Waltham would be acquired by a Swiss group headed by the Invicta Watch Co. During the 1970s, Waltham was merged into an association with other Swiss makers of inexpensive watches, the Société des Garde-Temps SA (SGT). However, due to the quartz crisis, SGT ceased operations in 1981.