Aurora 5th Pinion Questions

[Tom Walker]

Dumb questions about the 5th pinion: The authors of the "Complete Price Guide to Watches" describe one grade of Aurora as having the 5th pinion which makes the 15j a 17j. Does "Patent Pinion" on the movement mean it's a 17j? Can you identify it as a 5th pinion without dismantling the watch? This watch is a private label (Critzer Bros., San Antonio TX) on the dial and movement. It is two tone, patent pinion, marked 15 ruby jewels, adjusted, serial # 101,068, and is in a coin silver case (Phila.W.C.Co.) The watch run but needs cleaning and polishing.

[Tom Walker]

Dumb questions about the 5th pinion: The authors of the "Complete Price Guide to Watches" describe one grade of Aurora as having the 5th pinion which makes the 15j a 17j. Does "Patent Pinion" on the movement mean it's a 17j? Can you identify it as a 5th pinion without dismantling the watch? This watch is a private label (Critzer Bros., San Antonio TX) on the dial and movement. It is two tone, patent pinion, marked 15 ruby jewels, adjusted, serial # 101,068, and is in a coin silver case (Phila.W.C.Co.) The watch run but needs cleaning and polishing.

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Tom,

If it winds at 12 o'clock then it's a 5th pinion model Aurora. From the serial number, it should have 17 jewels, even though it should be marked "15 Ruby Jewels" on the barrel bridge. Look for 5 visible jewels in the top plate.

This is a rare Aurora and you should buy it if you have the chance to and if all the proper parts match.

[Tom Walker]

Greg,
Thanks for the quick response. I bought the watch over 18 years ago in Ohio at auction, not knowing at the time what it was. I was in the Air Force then, stationed in San Antonio so the San Antonio private labels appealed to me and was the reason I bought it. Dumb luck! Years ago, I learned that it was an Aurora, but was always uncertain about it being a 5th pinion. It is marked 15 ruby jewels, and 5 are visible.

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Tom,

The Aurora mvts marked "15 Ruby Jewels" and having either a damaskeened nickel or two-tone finish were their finest grade of mvt, and were denoted as the grade No. 10. They were in the same league (both price wise and quality wise) as the famous Illinois grade 105 and the Rockford "17 R" movements.

The two-tone variety of grade No. 10, although more common than the pure nickel variety, is generally the more sought after one.

I have a Critzer Bros. Aurora, but it is a grade No. 8, which is just below the No. 10 in quality. Another Critzer Bros. Aurora grade No. 10 mvt is known, but it is the hunting version to your open face version.

You have a terrific piece and should you ever decide to part with it...well you get the idea.

[Tom Walker]

Greg,
Thanks for the good info. I'm surprised that there are at least three known Critzer brothers Auroras still in existence. I had reviewed your postings on Aurora watches and readily surmised that you were an avid and knowledgeable Aurora collector. I anticipated you would reply. Thanks.

[brg404]

Tom,
I have another Critzer Bros, San Antonio hunting
case Aurora, 15 jewel, serial number 39222 if
that is of any help :wink: Maybe this is the one
Greg references above?

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Aurora #39222 is a grade 3 1/2 Hunter (unless my s/n list needs some tweaking).

I also recall seeing a Critzer Bros. dial on a 7j Aurora.

[terry hall]

Tom sent me images of this beautiful movement after a cleaning by Rob Carter.... and has asked me to post....

Glad to do so!!!
Would like 1 more with watch not running....

These are indeed great looking examples in condition!

http://web.InfoAve.Net/~ehall/Aurora.JPG

http://web.InfoAve.Net/~ehall/Aurora2.JPG

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Very very nice.

Aurora's "15 Ruby Jewels" grade No. 10 mvts were among the finest of their time. Since not too many were made and several variations in finish, etc., are known, they are terrific watches to collect.

Thanks for the pics.