Check out this 'Centennial' US Watch Co

[Luca]

I've had to edit this to remove a link but the thread initially described an online auction listing where the seller erroneously thought a Swiss made watch marked 'Centennial' was a very rare United States Watch Co Watch. The Marion watch as described in guides is also marked 'Centennial' but that is the only characteristic they share.

The lister also mentioned the 'NAWC' as a source of some of his info. I doubt anyone on this board would come to the conclusions the lister has. I guess it's wishful thinking.

[4thdimension]

Hi Luca,
Yeah, that's wrong (by a few miles). I've owned Cross&Beguelin Centennial watches and think they are "O.K." and collectible. Both companies were represented at the Centennial Fair but, that's where any connection ends as far as I know. This watch has nothing to do with the production in Marion, N.J. obviously.
Cort
<(';')>

[richiec]

I agree with both of you, my great, great, great grandfather, Alfred F. Cross, owned the company with Henry Beguelin. I own 7 of these watches and never saw one worth that kind of money, if they were then I am sitting on a gold mine, where did he get his information? that case if so badly worn its not funny.

[Tom McIntyre]

I believe such a watch was discussed here a few weeks ago.

We have many visitors who want to get material to include in their auction ads. Usually, they do not make so many mistakes in quoting.

I think we should not reference the live auction however, just because of our rules. Perhaps the starter post could be edited to be a more general description.

[richiec]

i QUESTIONED THE SELLER WHERE HE GOT THE INFORMATION ON THE WATCH AND HE STATED HE GOT IT FROM "THE COMPLETE PRICE GUIDE TO WATCHES NO. 27, 2007" AND "AMERICAN POCKET WATCHES PAGE 251" AND CLAIMS THERE IS A STATEMENT FROM THE NAWC, NOT THE NAWCC, IN THE FIRST REFERENCE. ANYONE HAVE ACCESS TO THAT MATERIAL? THE PRICE IS JUST RIDICULOUS AS THE CASE IS BADLY WORN, JUST SILVER PLATE.

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Some stuff related to the Cross & Beguelin Centennial watches:

http://members.aol.com/gfrauen/cross1.jpg
http://members.aol.com/gfrauen/cross2.jpg
http://members.aol.com/gfrauen/cross3.jpg

[Luca]

Great material Greg! You must have an amazing stockpile of info.

Of course the high price on the listing is due to the perception that it is a United States Watch Co. product which it is not.

[richiec]

looks like someone talked some sense into this guy, the watch is no longer listed on ebay and was taken off before the end of the auction.

[richiec]

well, this nut has now listed this watch again at a thousand dollar less:bang:, but still thinks it is a rare edition, caveat emptor on this one, he will not take enlightenment and realize that this watch is not worth the price he is asking.