strange hampden watch

[dougmc]

I have an old Hampden watch (at least thats what it says on the face) but the serial number on the movement is much earlier than Hampden made. I have seen plenty of discussions around putting Hampden movements into a case with a NY Watch face but not the other way around.
My serial is 24106 and the movement has "Chester Woolworth" "Springfield Mass" and "Adjusted" engraved on it.
It is a key wound and key set watch in a coin silver case.
Would anyone have any insight as to exactly what I have?

Thanks

[Tom McIntyre]

There was quite a bit of material left from New York Watch Co. when Hampden showed up. It is not uncommon to find Hampden dials on New York movements and that is what it seems you have.

[dougmc]

Thanks, that's what I sort of figured.
Given the serial number I would guess the movement about 1871 or so based upon this http://www.pocketwatchsite.com/newyorkserials.html. And the assembly around 1877.

[dougmc]

If the movement is from the New York Watch Co. would the movement say Springfield Mass?

[Tom McIntyre]

If the movement is from the New York Watch Co. would the movement say Springfield Mass?

Dueber operated the Hampden Watch Co. in Springfield for a while before moving. There is an article in the Wiki area called Dueber-hampden watches, 1886. It tells the story of shopping for a place to put the combined watch and watch case factory.

A watch that says Hampden Springfield would almost certainly have been made after the purchase but before the move.

The serial numbers are meaningless for these watches with fires and recessions, there is almost no correlation between sn and date. Hampden finished a lot of leftover material and in some cases seems to have re-engraved it.

[Bratdaddy@mac.com]

I bought a watch from an Ebay auction that was wearing a Hampden dial. It turned out to be a New York Watch co 18s 15j key wind, adjusted. Its signed "Woolworth" only, but the gent that serviced it assures me its the real deal. It's also an excellent timepiece now, needing only minor attention and the correct dial. Rather an enjoyable experience, but I'd rather not go thru it again. I doubt there are that many clean dials available.

[Bryan Eyring]

I bought a watch from an Ebay auction that was wearing a Hampden dial. It turned out to be a New York Watch co 18s 15j key wind, adjusted. Its signed "Woolworth" only, but the gent that serviced it assures me its the real deal. It's also an excellent timepiece now, needing only minor attention and the correct dial. Rather an enjoyable experience, but I'd rather not go thru it again. I doubt there are that many clean dials available.

Serial number?