The 1873 Model is the first Waltham with the characteristic shape that shows up in many later small grades including the OM Model American Grade. It was introduced in December 1872 in a run of nominally 1,000 watches that continued in production through the Spring. Of this run there were 970 Am'n Grade watches produced more or less continuously through July of 1873 (691,001 to 691,970). Of the remaining watches in the run, 20 were finished in Riverside Grade in June of 1873 (691,981 to 692,000) and the other 10 scattered over several years. For example 978 was finished in Riverside Grade in October 1876; 979 was finished in Am'n Grade in March 1877 and 980 finished in Riverside Grade in October 1876. The remaining 6 watches, 972 to 977 were finished in Am'n Grade between July 1874 and March 1877.

One could speculate that they were still working out the design glitches in the model during this period. If so, a 99% yield on the first run is pretty good. This example illustrates a couple of interesting things about Waltham production. First, the watches sometimes took a long time to finish the production process, especially in the higher grades. Second, the listing in the common dealer's model listing (the "Gray" book) is easily misinterpreted as being evenly divided between the two grades when they are listed together as in this case. The actual division of this run of 1,000 is 977 Am'n Grade and 23 Riverside Grade. Not the 500 of each that is usually assumed.

The first run of Am'n Grade are 15 jewel or "4 pairs" as described by Waltham. Later runs are 16 jewel, "4 1/2 pairs" with a jewel in the center top plate.

In the 4 examples shown here, you can see a number of interesting things about Waltham production. There are many differences between the first run and subsequent runs. The nickel models have distinctive individual damascening on the two examples. The high grade gilt has a higher serial number and was produced later than the two high grade nickel examples. The open face watch was achieved by leaving off the seconds bit on a hunting case movement.

I also have shown the mechanism under the dial for the button set mechanism in the first run vs. the lever set mechanism in the later example. The button set, nail set and lever set are all very similar.

Another casing variation is the "moonlight" dial and case with Fitch's Patent case design (the Waltham swing out case).