New Arrivals: Late 1960s Waltham Blue Dial Manual
This is a striking 1960s-era Waltham dress watch with a genuinely rare feature for the period: a deep blue dial that has survived in excellent condition. Blue dials were far less common than silver or champagne in mid-century everyday watches, and this one delivers a rich, even tone with a subtle sunburst effect that makes the applied baguette-style markers and small-seconds register pop. The watch has been fully serviced and regulated and is running well, making it a very wearable vintage piece despite honest case wear.
This is a striking 1960s-era Waltham dress watch with a genuinely rare feature for the period: a deep blue dial that has survived in excellent condition. Blue dials were far less common than silver or champagne in mid-century everyday watches, and this one delivers a rich, even tone with a subtle sunburst effect that makes the applied baguette-style markers and small-seconds register pop. The watch has been fully serviced and regulated and is running well, making it a very wearable vintage piece despite honest case wear.
Case, Dial & Aesthetic
The dial is the star here: a saturated blue field with bright applied crystalline baton markers and a crisp small-seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. In the 1960s, colored dials were often more prone to fading, spotting, or uneven discoloration, so finding one this clean is quite unusual. The case is chrome-plated base metal with a stainless steel screwback. There is significant chrome wear and brassing, most noticeably on the back side and edges; the good news is that the heaviest wear is largely out of sight when the watch is on the wrist. A new crystal has been installed, restoring clarity and giving the dial the presentation it deserves.
Movement: Lorsa 238 (17 Jewel, France)
Inside is the Lorsa 238 in 17-jewel specification, a French-made manual-wind movement family commonly seen in 1960s Waltham-branded watches. It is a straightforward, serviceable design with a classic small-seconds layout and a traditional mid-century cadence.
Winding: Manual Wind
Jewels: 17
Frequency: 18,000 BPH
Origin: French Made
Complications: None
Condition & Service
This watch has been fully serviced and regulated and is running well. A new crystal has been installed, and a new crown and stem were fitted to ensure secure winding and setting. Case wear and brassing are present and reflected in the pricing, but the watch presents beautifully from the front, where it counts most.
Specs & Details
Year: 1965–1968
Case: Chrome-Plated / Stainless Steel Screwback
Case Diameter: 35mm
Lug to Lug: 43mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 17.1mm
Recommended Band Size: 17mm
Movement: Lorsa 238
Features: New Crystal, New Crown/Stem
Why This Watch Matters
Mid-century blue dials are one of those details collectors chase because they instantly change the character of a simple dress watch, and they are often the first thing to deteriorate with time. Finding a Waltham "Made in France" is also a treat for collectors, as it marks a specific, short-lived chapter of the company’s history before it moved entirely to Swiss and eventually Japanese production. This example stands out because the dial has held its color and texture so well, pairing rare aesthetics with a freshly serviced, ready-to-wear mechanical movement. If you like honest vintage watches with a standout dial and no mechanical drama, this one checks a lot of boxes.
Watch band not included with purchase. You will need a 17mm band to pair with this watch. Please see this page for more information.