Waltham 8 Day Aircraft Clock Value Guide

The Waltham 8 Day Aircraft Clock is a high-precision mechanical timepiece originally engineered for the U.S. military to endure the extreme vibrations and temperatures of flight. These clocks are highly collectible due to their historical service in WWI and WWII scout planes and trainers, representing a pinnacle of American industrial horology.

What Is Waltham 8 Day Aircraft Clock Worth?

The typical price range for Waltham 8 Day Aircraft Clock is $150 - $165 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical functionality is paramount; clocks that still hold time for the full eight-day duration command higher prices.
• The presence of original mounting hardware or the original cockpit housing significantly increases the item's desirability.
• Condition of the glass and dial, specifically the lack of yellowing or flaking in the luminescent material, affects the $150-$165 valuation.
• Historical provenance or documentation linking the clock to a specific aircraft type or military unit can add a premium.

How to Identify Waltham 8 Day Aircraft Clock?

• Check for the signature black dial with high-contrast white Arabic numerals and a dedicated sub-dial for seconds.
• Verify the '8 DAYS' marking on the dial, which indicates the long-running mechanical movement characteristic of these aircraft models.
• Look for military specification stamps or serial numbers on the back of the steel casing, often denoting U.S. Army Air Corps or Navy use.
• Inspect the hands and numerals for original luminescent paint, which was essential for nighttime visibility in early cockpits.

History of Waltham 8 Day Aircraft Clock

Waltham began producing these high-precision 8-day clocks for the U.S. military during World War I and continued through World War II. They were essential cockpit instruments, often found in trainers and scout planes, designed to withstand the vibration and temperature fluctuations of flight.