Collectible! Circa 1960s Waltham President Cal AS 1709 Twin Window 57J Automatic (OH)

Make: Waltham
Type: Automatic
Model: President Twin Window  
Year of Production: Circa 1960s
Movement: AS 1709
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 57
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37.8mm
Lug to Lug Height: 40mm
Thickness: 11.6mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Hi-Quality Bambi Brand Super Engineer Designed SS Bracelet

Founded in 1850 by Aaron Dennison, Edward Howard, and David Davis in Waltham, Massachusetts, it was the first company to produce watches on an assembly line, revolutionizing the watchmaking industry thus earning a strong reputation for their quality and precision, and on-time delivery.

Throughout the late 19th century, Waltham expanded its operations and became one of the leading watchmakers in the United States.

Waltham also played a significant role in supplying watches to the military during both World Wars, further solidifying its reputation for reliability and precision timepieces.

Waltham watches gained popularity not only in the USA but also internationally, establishing the brand as a symbol of American craftsmanship. However, like many watch companies, Waltham faced challenges during the 20th century, including increased competition and changes in consumer preferences.

The company adapted to these challenges by diversifying its product range and exploring new markets; yet, sales began to decline due to the quartz revolution.

The Waltham brand was acquired by various companies circa 1957, and production of Waltham watches shifted to different parts of the world.

Here we have a highly sort-after circa 1960s Waltham President Deluxe Twin Window Cal AS-1709 57J in stunning condition. It is said that it was presented to all US Presidents when it was first produced.

A good and thorough clean-up revealed a beautifully patina silver dial, 3D silver baton indices with Dauphine Hands.

Its classy silver shaped case was buffed as best as possible without compromising its shape and lines albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable. The original crystal was replaced with a genuine Seiko vintage crystal and buffed.

The signed crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The hands quick-set is adjusted via the traditional method of uncorking the crown and turning the crown accordingly. The Day quickset is via rotating the hands from 8H to 4H and back. There is no date quickset for this timepiece.

The AS-1709 movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated on 15 August 2024. In short, it was given a full overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the high grade and highly prized Swiss Made AS-1709 movement made from copper-plated beryllium-bronze, it has an 57 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows stunning readings of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 204 with a relatively straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 37.8mm (w/o crown) and 40mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 17cm; thus suitable for men and women.

The timepiece comes with a hi-quality Bambi Brand Super Engineer Designed SS Bracelet that was ultrasonic cleaned and buffed.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Waltham components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

Even though the gaskets and seals are in place, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided shows the watch in stunning condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch will be provided instead.

This extremely rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Because it is extremely rare, this 57J Waltham President Deluxe Caliber AS-1709 movement is not easily found on auction and online sites.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 220.00 to S$ 250.00 for a full overhaul, and an estimated S$ 100.00 to calibrate, and S$ 60.00 to clean and buff the case and bracelet - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Waltham President Deluxe Cal AS-1709 57J in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.