Waltham Dive Watch

Say it with me: NEW! OLD! STOCK! Otherwise known as “NOS” to collectors, this means that this watch is vintage, but completely untouched… as if someone bought it in the ‘80s, hid it in a cupboard, and brought it out for a special occasion (the occasion being you… buying it… and wearing it today). But why would you want to buy this? What is Waltham? Well, for those in the “IYKYK” camp, Waltham is a highly collectible brand with American roots, founded in Massachusetts in 1850, enveloped by Swiss ownership around the time this watch was manufactured (so, yes, this watch is American, but Swiss made – best of both worlds!). I love this watch because I have very soft spot for vintage ladies divers. They’re resilient and cute and make for a hell of an accessory if you’re trying to fraternize with the watch heads.  

THE BASICS

DATE OF BIRTH: C. 1980’s

MATERIAL: Chrome Plated base metal

SIZE: 27.5mm across by 33mm long

MOVEMENT: 17J Automatic

CONDITION: NOS

BOX/PAPERS: Yes/yes

THE NITTY GRITTY:

A chrome plated, cushion case Waltham dive watch with a date. This is a rare chance to buy a vintage watch in ‘new old stock’ condition. The watch is complete with its original box and accompanying paperwork. The watch has a classic hour, bi-directional dive timing bezel in black with larger luminous triangle at the 60 minute mark in the style of all classic dive designed watches. These were used by divers to keep their oxygen levels monitored. The black dial also has the classic dive watch layout: larger luminous hour markers, printed white minute track, and bright coloured sweep hand. There is also a handsome additional detail of the red cross hair on the dial. The original Tritium luminous material is aging beautifully into a warm creamy color. The hands are original and contain the original lume, which has also toned into a lovely light latte color, paired well with the distinctive orange sweep.

The watch is powered by an automatic, seventeen jewel caliber 1780 movement made by Swiss movement maker A. Schilds. The small movement is in original, also untouched condition. The larger size widing crown is present and original with the capital ‘W’ for Waltham. The case is a screw back, making it much more water resistant and secure. The original rubber dive strap is also present. It is stamped with a faux grain look – quite unusual in itself. The buckle is stamped “Made in France”

This is a fantastic looking late 1970’s dive watch with all the hallmarks of what made for a great sports watch from this period. To have one in this condition is a rare gem. Even the original wax backed case back sticker is present! A small detail; but, in the watch world, these original details add a degree of desirability as they are just so scarce to come across today.