Founded in 1850 in Massachusetts, Waltham Watch Company revolutionised timekeeping as the first to mass-produce watches using interchangeable parts. Renowned for precision, Waltham supplied pocket watches and wristwatches to the U.S. military during both World Wars, including cockpit chronographs and navigation timepieces for pilots. Their reliability under pressure earned them a reputation as essential military instruments. Today, vintage Waltham watches are cherished not only for their role in horological history but also for their proud service heritage.

What's on offer

This authentic Royal Navy-issued Waltham pocket watch, engraved with the NATO code 0552, is a rare and highly collectible military timepiece. Supplied to the Royal Navy in the post-war era, it would have been used for navigation and deck duties where absolute precision and legibility were essential.

The black dial features bold Arabic numerals with tritium lume, now aged to a rich pumpkin tone, and the “T” mark at its centre confirms its luminous material. Oversized hands and a recessed sub-seconds dial add to its functional clarity. Housed in a stainless steel case with a finely milled edge and robust onion-style crown, it was purpose-built for harsh maritime environments.

While wristwatches dominated by the 1950s and 60s, pocket watches like this remained invaluable to the Navy for timing and navigational tasks, making this an evocative link to a transitional era in military horology. A true piece of naval history and an exceptional find for the military collector.