Rare 1917 Waltham 15 Jewel Trench Watch / Cushion Sterling Silver Case

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$873.00

• Details
  1917 Waltham “General Benson” — Sterling Silver Elgin Case • Shadow-Box Military Dial • Serviced • Museum-Worthy Art Deco Classic ✨
  
  Rare • Historical • Heirloom-Ready
  
  Discover a timepiece that carries nearly a century of American craftsmanship, military-era design heritage, and sterling-silver elegance. This 1920s Waltham “General Benson” watch—housing movement #21515468—is paired with a rare Elgin-stamped sterling silver case, creating a historically compelling and visually stunning wristwatch perfect for collectors and for anyone searching for a meaningful generational gift.
  
  This is more than a watch.
  
  It is a story preserved in silver.
  
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  💎 A Remarkable Piece of American Horological History
  
  Produced in the late 1910s–1920s, Waltham’s movements were trusted by soldiers, aviators, engineers, and explorers. The “General Benson” movement series—known for its reliability and clean engineering—was part of Waltham’s shift toward robust, accurate, compact wristwatch calibers as the world moved from pocket watches to wrist-worn timepieces.
  
  This example is made even more special by its pairing with a sterling-silver case manufactured and branded in Elgin, Illinois, a rare and highly collectible configuration. Sterling silver cases from this era are far less common than nickel or gold-filled, and this one retains strong hallmarks and crisp edges.
  
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  🛡️ Shadow-Box Military Dial — Rare & Striking
  
  The dial features the iconic shadow-box military layout:
  
  • Deep contrasting numerals
  
  • Bold railroad-style minute track
  
  • Sub-seconds dial at 6
  
  • Classic trench-watch–era legibility
  
  This style was inspired by early military field watches and aviation pieces where clarity was critical. It’s a collector favorite for good reason: it has presence, character, and unmistakable 1920s charm.
  
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  🛠 Full Technical Breakdown
  
  Movement
  
  • Waltham Caliber: General Benson series
  
  • Movement Serial: #21515468
  
  • Jewels: High-grade jeweled movement
  
  • Type: Manual wind
  
  • Performance: Fully serviced, cleaned, oiled, and regulated
  
  • Country: USA
  
  • Known for precise, dependable engineering and long-term durability.
  
  
  Grade: No. 160
  
  Manufacturer: Waltham
  
  Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
  
  Movement Serial Number: 21515468
  
  Grade: No. 160
  
  Model: 1900
  
  Estimated Production Year: 1917
  
  Run Quantity: 6,000
  
  Grade/Model Run: 12 of 14
  
  Case
  
  • Material: Sterling Silver (.925)
  
  • Case Origin: Elgin / Elgin, Illinois — rare branded silver case
  
  • Hallmarks: Crisp sterling & manufacturer marks inside the back
  
  • Style: Early trench/Art Deco profile with clean architectural lines
  
  • Condition: Excellent for age, no structural damage, screw-back closure secure
  
  A sterling case from the Elgin supply chain is significantly rarer than typical gold-filled cases and is highly desirable among collectors.
  
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  🎨 Restoration & Condition
  
  This watch has undergone a careful, preservation-minded restoration, ensuring originality while enhancing reliability:
  
  • Movement: Full teardown, lubrication, and regulation
  
  • Dial: Preserved with era-appropriate character
  
  • Crystal: Clear and clean, offering excellent visibility
  
  • Case: Gentle hand-cleaning; no over-polishing
  
  • Strap: High-quality leather strap chosen to complement the watch’s 1920s military roots
  
  It is fully functional and ready to be worn, displayed, or passed down through generations.
  
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  ✨ A Story Worth Passing Down
  
  Imagine this watch in its first life—resting on the wrist of a young officer heading out on a crisp morning, or an early aviator checking the time before takeoff. It’s a piece that has traveled through history and emerged with grace.
  
  Today, it stands ready to become:
  
  • A graduation gift, symbolizing discipline and achievement
  
  • A wedding day heirloom, to be handed down from one generation to the next
  
  • A collector’s centerpiece, celebrating American watchmaking
  
  • A meaningful holiday gift, with real history behind it
  
  This is the kind of object that outlives trends and technology—because it tells a story, and because it was built to last.
  
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  🎁 Perfect For
  
  ✨ Collectors of Waltham, Elgin, and early American wristwatches
  
  ✨ Lovers of Art Deco and military-era design
  
  ✨ Buyers seeking a meaningful generational gift
  
  ✨ History enthusiasts
  
  ✨ Anyone who appreciates craftsmanship over mass production
  
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  📦 Presentation & Shipping
  
  Your watch will arrive:
  
  • Securely packaged
  
  • Fully protected
  
  • With care instructions included
  
  • Ready for gifting or display
  
  We treat every vintage watch like the historical artifact it is.
  
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  📜 Own a Piece of American Timekeeping History
  
  Watches like this do not come to market often—certainly not with an authentic sterling Elgin case, shadow-box dial, and a fully serviced movement. This is a rare opportunity to wear or gift something truly timeless.
• Shipping & Policies

  Shipping from United States

  Processing time

  1-5 business days

  Customs and import taxes

  Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

  Payment Options

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  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

  Returns & Exchanges

  I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

  Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

  Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

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Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

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