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Identification

Vintage Waltham Art Deco Cushion Case 10K RGP Manual Wind Watch

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

Brand is confirmed via the dial signature. The case is confirmed as 10K Rolled Gold Plate via the Star Watch Case Co. hallmark on the case back.

Story

The Waltham Watch Company, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, was one of the most prolific and important American watchmakers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. During the 1920s and 1930s, they produced a wide variety of stylish Art Deco wristwatches, often utilizing high-quality cases from domestic manufacturers like the Star Watch Case Company. Vintage American manual-wind watches from the 1920s-1930s have a dedicated but niche collector base.

Maker / Origin

Waltham Watch Company

Condition & Value

The exterior of the case presents well, retaining visible engraved relief detailing on the bezel that is characteristic of the Art Deco period. The dial features a classic layout with Roman numerals and a sub-seconds register. The aftermarket Kreisler expansion band is a later addition and does not add significant value.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Vintage American manual-wind watches from the 1920s-1930s have a dedicated but niche collector base. Art Deco cushion cases are popular for their classic aesthetic, though their smaller case sizes (typical of the era) can limit mainstream modern appeal. Values in this segment are heavily dependent on functional condition, dial originality, and case material, with unserviced examples trading as projects and fully restored pieces achieving strong retail premiums.

Value Drivers

▲ Classic 1920s-1930s Art Deco cushion case design with attractive engraved bezel detailing.

▲ 10K Rolled Gold Plate case manufactured by the reputable Star Watch Case Company.

▲ Desirable vintage dial layout featuring Roman numerals and a sub-seconds register.

Concerns

▼ Unverified functional status — if non-running, the value drops to the $40-$75 parts/repair floor.

▼ Unseen movement — missing caliber and serial number prevents exact dating and reference identification.

▼ Aftermarket base metal expansion band — detracts slightly from originality, though common for vintage pieces.

Best Venue

Before listing, have a qualified watchmaker or jeweler safely open the case back to photograph the movement and confirm if the watch is running. If it is non-running, list it on an auction platform like eBay as 'For Parts or Repair' with a starting bid around $40. If it is running and keeping time, list it as a fixed-price sale at $150-$200, highlighting the Art Deco case details and including clear movement photos.

Upside Potential

If the watch is confirmed to be running well, keeping accurate time, and features a clean, high-grade Waltham movement, the value could push toward the $300-$500 range seen for well-documented, serviced examples.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Man of the World
    Waltham Cushion Case with Porcelain Dial in Gold Case
    Solid gold case and porcelain dial represent a higher market tier than 10K rolled gold plate.
    $1,300
  • Ruby Lane
    1914 Waltham RED 12 Trench Watch – Hand-Fired Enamel Dial, Dennison Moon Cushion Case, Professionally Serviced
    Trench watch from an earlier era (1914) with an enamel dial; different style and market.
    $975
  • Palmer's Auction Co
    Waltham 15 Jewel Cushion Case Manual Wind Wristwatch with Porcelain Dial
    Link could not be verified.
    $5