Old Waltham Watch Appraisal

Vintage Waltham Shock-Resistant Mechanical Wristwatch

This is a vintage mid-century Waltham mechanical wristwatch featuring a circular stainless steel case and a cream-colored sunburst dial. The watch face is characterized by applied baton-style hour markers with a unique ridged texture and faceted "dauphine" hour and minute hands. A red 'W' logo sits above the 'Waltham' brand name, with the text 'SHOCK-RESISTANT' visible above the 6 o'clock position. The condition of the watch is heavily distressed; the acrylic crystal is severely scratched and shows a prominent vertical crack running across the bottom half of the dial. The dial itself exhibits significant surface patina, staining, and visible age spots (foxing). The chrome-plated or stainless steel bezel shows surface wear and dulling of the finish. It is attached to a weathered black textured leather strap that displays significant cracking, creasing, and wear consistent with heavy use over several decades. Based on the styling and font, this piece likely dates to the late 1950s or early 1960s, a period when Waltham focused on shock-resistant movements for the American market.