This watch

An imposing and historically significant timepiece that represents the perfect marriage of American industrial precision and traditional English case-making. This 1920 Solid Silver Half Hunter is not only a heavy, substantial watch to hold but also features one of Waltham's most respected high-grade movements.

The watch is housed in an "Extra Heavy" 2oz solid silver case, likely by the renowned English case maker Dennison. The front cover is particularly striking, featuring a milled engine-turned chapter ring with black enamel Roman numerals—a high-quality finish that sets it apart from standard plain models. Pressing the crown reveals a pristine white enamel dial with Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and fine blued steel hands.

Internally, this watch is powered by the celebrated 17 Jewel "P.S. Bartlett" movement. A step above standard grades, this American-made calibre is beautifully finished with decorative patterning and features a micrometer regulator for superior accuracy.

This is a robust, gentleman’s timepiece in amazing condition, preserving a fascinating moment in horological history where the best of the USA and England came together.  Chain sold separately!

Extra Points

In 1850, Aaron Dennison founded Waltham, a company that completely transformed watchmaking by introducing the American Watchmaking System. This innovative system was based on the concept of interchangeable parts, which had never been employed before in watchmaking. Waltham's precision machinery ensured that each component was identical, making the assembly and mass production of reliable watches more efficient. Waltham's success grew with the release of the Model 1857, the first American-made pocket watch to achieve practical success. This was a turning point for the company, manufacturing a range of pocket watches, including high-end, elaborately decorated movements like the "Vanguard." Thanks to its reputation for precision, Waltham became the preferred choice for the American railroad system. Its dependable timepieces ensured strict schedules were maintained, contributing to national growth and synchronisation. Despite facing significant challenges, Waltham persevered and became a crucial supplier for the US military during World War II. Their factories produced pocket compasses, timepieces for soldiers, and timing devices for weaponry. In January 1958, an agreement was reached between the Axler-led Waltham Watch Co. and the Chicago-based Hallmark Watch Co. They moved their operations from Massachusetts to Chicago. In the summer of 1962, Waltham opened a new factory in Neuchatel, Switzerland. In 1968, it was announced that Waltham would be acquired by a Swiss group headed by the Invicta Watch Co. During the 1970s, Waltham was merged into an association with other Swiss makers of inexpensive watches, the Société des Garde-Temps SA (SGT). However, due to the quartz crisis, SGT ceased operations in 1981.

What We Think

Here at Antique Watch Co. in Clerkenwell, we often talk about the "Golden Age" of watchmaking, but this watch tells a more nuanced story of competition and collaboration.

In the 1920s, the watch world was a battlefield. The traditional English watch trade—centered right here in Clerkenwell—was struggling to compete with the mass-production prowess of the Americans (Waltham, Elgin) and the emerging dominance of the Swiss. English movements were handmade and expensive; American movements were machine-made, interchangeable, and incredibly accurate.

Why this watch is special: This piece represents the "English Compromise." To satisfy the conservative British market, retailers began importing high-grade American movements (like this P.S. Bartlett) and housing them in heavy, high-quality English silver cases.

The case on this watch is stamped "2oz"—a mark of quality you can feel. It was likely made by the Dennison Watch Case Co. in Birmingham. Aaron Dennison, known as the "Father of the American Watch Industry," actually moved to England to found this company, creating a literal bridge between American mechanics and British case-making.

When we serviced this watch, the 17-jewel Bartlett movement was a joy to work on. It is a "workhorse" grade, designed for railroad-level reliability but finished with a jeweller's eye. It is effectively a "Restomod" of the 1920s: the high-tech American engine inside the classic English body.

By owning this, you aren't just buying a watch; you are buying a piece of industrial history that proves quality transcends borders.

Spec Stuff