Grade no. 21 (#63600), 15 jewels, gilt, adjusted, Breguet hairspring, double sunk dial, same as 6-OF except pendant set.
Most visitors online was 1990 , on 7 Feb 2022
Aurora grades and examples
- Thread starter Greg Frauenhoff
- Start date
Anyone else have an open-face pendant-set mvt to share? Or maybe get us started on the htg lever-set grades?
Just saw this thread and since I may not get back on in time for the later ones, here are my 6. Al Htg, except the Gr10. The SN is in the file name, as is the Grade, which I got from Greg's book. Joe
Joe,
Terrific collection and excellent pics. The two-tone "New Model" (which is an extremely rare variant of the grade 66) and "15 Ruby Jewels" (10-OF) movements are stunning. #16962 is a 1-KW, #41143 is a 4-KW, private label #132003 is a grade 3.5-Htg if it has 15 jewels.
Thanks for your contribution.
Greg
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Besides those shown above, the pendant set grades include nos. 11 (7 jewels, gilt, same as 1-OF except PS), 12 (11 jewels, unset, nickel, same as 4.5-OF except PS) and 13 (11 jewels, unset or imitation settings, same as 2-OF except PS).
And then there are the mysterious nos. 15 and 20. No examples of these two have been identified. The description for no. 15 is believed to be 11 jewels in settings, gilt (same as 3-OF except PS). No. 20 is probably (or was intended to be) a 15 jewel, nickel, adjusted, grade of some variety.
So, with Joe having started us on to the lever-set hunting grades. Grade no. 3.5-Htg (#38701) is shown in his post above.
And then there are the mysterious nos. 15 and 20. No examples of these two have been identified. The description for no. 15 is believed to be 11 jewels in settings, gilt (same as 3-OF except PS). No. 20 is probably (or was intended to be) a 15 jewel, nickel, adjusted, grade of some variety.
So, with Joe having started us on to the lever-set hunting grades. Grade no. 3.5-Htg (#38701) is shown in his post above.
Grade 4-Htg (#40024):
Grade 8-Htg (#80530), damaskeened nickel:
Grade 8-Htg (#81450), checkerboard two-tone:
Grade 8-Htg (#82092), checkerboard two-tone with "side bars":
Grade 8-Htg (#81155), two-tone flower-n-wheel pattern:
Grade 8-Htg (#80530), damaskeened nickel:
Grade 8-Htg (#81450), checkerboard two-tone:
Grade 8-Htg (#82092), checkerboard two-tone with "side bars":
Grade 8-Htg (#81155), two-tone flower-n-wheel pattern:
Grade 2-Htg (#125093);
Grade 4.5-Htg (#94731):
Grade 22-Htg (#141089):
Grade 4.5-Htg (#94731):
Grade 22-Htg (#141089):
4-Htg (#44369), scarce variant with Johnson's regulator.
5-Htg (#51639), variant with Johnson's regulator.
26-Htg (#74073), the only significant visual difference between the grade 26 and 7 is that the former generally has a single sunk dial, whereas the later a double sunk one. They may also have had adjustment differences.
I'm unsure of the grade for this one (#131867). It looks like a grade 3.5-Htg but it has the word "Adjusted" on the barrel bridge which makes it a possible grade 5-Htg variant.
5-Htg (#51639), variant with Johnson's regulator.
26-Htg (#74073), the only significant visual difference between the grade 26 and 7 is that the former generally has a single sunk dial, whereas the later a double sunk one. They may also have had adjustment differences.
I'm unsure of the grade for this one (#131867). It looks like a grade 3.5-Htg but it has the word "Adjusted" on the barrel bridge which makes it a possible grade 5-Htg variant.
Grade 10-Htg (#100210), rare gilt screw variant.
This encyclopedia link goes into gory detail on the "15 Ruby Jewels" grades (nos. 9 and 10, both OF and Htg): https://mb.nawcc.org/wiki/Encyclope...ocket-Watches/Auroras-15-Ruby-Jewel-Movements
This encyclopedia link goes into gory detail on the "15 Ruby Jewels" grades (nos. 9 and 10, both OF and Htg): https://mb.nawcc.org/wiki/Encyclope...ocket-Watches/Auroras-15-Ruby-Jewel-Movements
Extremely rare survivor of a grade 8-Htg in original shipping tin:
This encyclopedia article gives other details on the grade 8-Htg: https://mb.nawcc.org/wiki/Encyclopedia-Subjects/American-Pocket-Watches/Auroras-grade-nos-8-and-18
This encyclopedia article gives other details on the grade 8-Htg: https://mb.nawcc.org/wiki/Encyclopedia-Subjects/American-Pocket-Watches/Auroras-grade-nos-8-and-18
Greg, found one more that was not with the others. Grade 8 Htg, SN 81661
There are still some hunting grades to go, but it will take me some time to dig out pictures of them. Unless someone else cares to share theirs.
Another series of grade numbers for Aurora are 42 through 53. These were used for the Aurora movements "Made Expressly for the U. S. J. Guild". The encyclopedia page below covers these pretty well but it's always a treat to see pictures of others.
Another series of grade numbers for Aurora are 42 through 53. These were used for the Aurora movements "Made Expressly for the U. S. J. Guild". The encyclopedia page below covers these pretty well but it's always a treat to see pictures of others.
Pics anyone?
Probably the toughest set of Aurora grade nos. to complete would be the "New Model" ones, viz. 61 through 77, 79, 81 and 83. The vast majority of these are private labels, but a few late ones were finished as "Aurora Watch Co."
Pics anyone?
Probably the toughest set of Aurora grade nos. to complete would be the "New Model" ones, viz. 61 through 77, 79, 81 and 83. The vast majority of these are private labels, but a few late ones were finished as "Aurora Watch Co."
Pics anyone?
This watch has been shown previously.
Here is my grade 51. It is one of an estimated production of 80 and is the 3rd to last produced.
A grade 73, one of 20 produced. It is a private label new model for the Minneapolis Watch Co.
Also has been previously shown.
These tables from my book Aurora Watch Co. Grades and Production, 2001, 2nd edition, give descriptions of the various New Model grades.
The vast majority of New Model Auroras are private labels, with more than half being made for Charles Stark of Toronto. In an 1887 Stark catalog (see The Charles Stark company's (Ltd.) : annual catalogue : Charles Stark (Firm) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive) are listed some of his special American watches. The grade numbers used (61, 65, 73, 77) and their descriptions generally correspond to those used by Aurora for some of their New Model movements, so it's a pretty good bet that the American mvts being sold are Auroras.
Detail of page from the 1887 Stark catalog:
Detail of page from the 1887 Stark catalog:
Grade no. 63 (#116017, ETP for grade = 370, scarce Aurora Watch Co. variant with an ETP for variant = 50):
Grade no. 67 (#120602, ETP for grade = 200, Charles Stark variant with an ETP for variant = 190):
Grade no. 77 (#55849, ETP for grade = 150, Charles Stark variant with an ETP for variant = 90), railroad grade:
Most of the Charles Stark movements have dual track 24 hour dials, e. g. like this one on #55849:
Grade no. 68 (#140059, ETP for grade = 435, Charles Stark variant with an ETP for variant = 345, marked "Adjusted"), railroad grade:
Uncommon 12 hour Charles Stark dial (on mvt #140059):
Grade no. 67 (#120602, ETP for grade = 200, Charles Stark variant with an ETP for variant = 190):
Grade no. 77 (#55849, ETP for grade = 150, Charles Stark variant with an ETP for variant = 90), railroad grade:
Most of the Charles Stark movements have dual track 24 hour dials, e. g. like this one on #55849:
Grade no. 68 (#140059, ETP for grade = 435, Charles Stark variant with an ETP for variant = 345, marked "Adjusted"), railroad grade:
Uncommon 12 hour Charles Stark dial (on mvt #140059):
The 24 hr dial is an interesting configuration with 13-24 being on the outer perimeter.
Richard
Here is another Charles Stark. Based on the serial no. of Greg's, I assume it to be a grade #77 (but may be a grade #73). It is open face, pendant set and is housed in a heavy Dueber Newport coin case. I like the fact Stark offered his movements in different weight cases (see Greg's post of the catalog page).
Richard,
Nice watch. Thanks for the picture. It is a grade no. 79, which is the open-face cousin of the grade no. 77.
For no. 79 the ETP is 200 of which 150 are the Stark variant.
Greg
Grade no. 65 (#120801, ETP for grade = 140, Minneapolis Watch Co. Laurel variant with an ETP for variant = 20):
This one is in superb condition; rather surprisingly for a modest grade.
This one is in superb condition; rather surprisingly for a modest grade.
Grade no. 66 (#140999, ETP for grade = 1040, Eclipse Chicago variant with an ETP for variant = 100):
Grade no. 63 (#213175, ETP for grade = 370, J. P. Stevens variant with an ETP for variant = 115):
Grade no. 63 (#213175, ETP for grade = 370, J. P. Stevens variant with an ETP for variant = 115):
Grade no. 64 (#93002, ETP for grade = 110, Charles Stark variant with an ETP for variant = 110):
Grade no. 74 (#82624, ETP for grade = 70, Aurora Watch Co. variant with an ETP for variant = 10):
Grade no. 74 (#82624, ETP for grade = 70, Aurora Watch Co. variant with an ETP for variant = 10):
Grade no. 81 (#64193, ETP for grade = 120, Aurora Watch Co. variant with an ETP for variant = 10):
Grade no. 66 (#140604, ETP for grade = 1040, Caulfield variant with an ETP for variant = 255):
Some info on the 18s New Model Aurora mvts made for H. R. Caulfield of San Francisco and signed Caulfield Watch for Railway Service. All are grade no. 66 and marked "Adjusted".
ETP = 255
Runs (known or suspected)
140601-700
142001-010
142011-050
142056-060
142301-400
Important note on correct dials:
Because the Co. failed in late Oct. of 1889, methinks that most Caulfield watches finished after this date by the new owners (Rood & Cain who turned the Aurora Co. into Hamilton) were actually sold (or perhaps given to employees to settle their wage claims against the old Co.) to someone other than H. R. Caulfield. Thus, the reason that many known examples have dials marked Aurora Watch Co. rather than Caulfield.
FWIW, it is very uncommon indeed for a private label Aurora to have a contract name on the movement but not on the dial. The Caulfield watches (some of them anyway) are one of the few Aurora private labels known where a significant number of such mvts have been reported. Another example is the "Chronometer" mvts which were originally intended for the Justice Jobbing Co. of Chicago (and to have dials signed "The J. J. Co."), but which for the same reason as some of the Caulfield mvts some have dials signed "Aurora Watch Co." instead.
Below is a table of data showing the dial markings on Caulfield mvts along with whether the mvt was finished before 11/89 or not.
s/n---name on dial---sold before 11/1889 or not
140604---Caulfield---yes
140639---"For Railway Time Service"---yes
140648---Caulfield---yes
140653---Caulfield---yes
140661---Caulfield---yes
140663---Caulfield---yes
142009---Caulfield---yes
14200x---Caulfield---yes
142011---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142013---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142028---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142031---Caulfield---probably after
142034---Caulfield---probably after
142035---?---probably after
142036---?---probably after
142044---?---probably after
142060---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142313---?---probably after
142321---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142371---?---probably after
142376---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142390---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142398---?---probably after
Final note on correct dials: a couple have been switched in recent years. Some good mvts with dials signed Aurora watch Co. have had Caulfield marked dials put on them as an "improvement". I don't know the serial numbers of these mvts (some may be in the table above, possibly #142034).
Some info on the 18s New Model Aurora mvts made for H. R. Caulfield of San Francisco and signed Caulfield Watch for Railway Service. All are grade no. 66 and marked "Adjusted".
ETP = 255
Runs (known or suspected)
140601-700
142001-010
142011-050
142056-060
142301-400
Important note on correct dials:
Because the Co. failed in late Oct. of 1889, methinks that most Caulfield watches finished after this date by the new owners (Rood & Cain who turned the Aurora Co. into Hamilton) were actually sold (or perhaps given to employees to settle their wage claims against the old Co.) to someone other than H. R. Caulfield. Thus, the reason that many known examples have dials marked Aurora Watch Co. rather than Caulfield.
FWIW, it is very uncommon indeed for a private label Aurora to have a contract name on the movement but not on the dial. The Caulfield watches (some of them anyway) are one of the few Aurora private labels known where a significant number of such mvts have been reported. Another example is the "Chronometer" mvts which were originally intended for the Justice Jobbing Co. of Chicago (and to have dials signed "The J. J. Co."), but which for the same reason as some of the Caulfield mvts some have dials signed "Aurora Watch Co." instead.
Below is a table of data showing the dial markings on Caulfield mvts along with whether the mvt was finished before 11/89 or not.
s/n---name on dial---sold before 11/1889 or not
140604---Caulfield---yes
140639---"For Railway Time Service"---yes
140648---Caulfield---yes
140653---Caulfield---yes
140661---Caulfield---yes
140663---Caulfield---yes
142009---Caulfield---yes
14200x---Caulfield---yes
142011---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142013---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142028---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142031---Caulfield---probably after
142034---Caulfield---probably after
142035---?---probably after
142036---?---probably after
142044---?---probably after
142060---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142313---?---probably after
142321---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142371---?---probably after
142376---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142390---Aurora Watch Co.---probably after
142398---?---probably after
Final note on correct dials: a couple have been switched in recent years. Some good mvts with dials signed Aurora watch Co. have had Caulfield marked dials put on them as an "improvement". I don't know the serial numbers of these mvts (some may be in the table above, possibly #142034).
Grade no. 66 (#141904, ETP for the Stevens' variant of this grade = 545).
Aurora made approx. 3882 New Model movements. Of these, 1790 were for Charles Stark of Toronto and 1168 for J. P. Stevens of Atlanta. Below are the New Model runs for the J. P. Stevens movements:
J. P. Stevens of Atlanta was a major buyer of Aurora watches, purchasing about 1200 movements between 1887-1890. The vast majority are "New Model" grades and have Stevens' patent regulator affixed. Most of the runs of Stevens' private label Auroras can be found in the surviving factory records (in the NAWCC library), but not all. The data below is based on info in my booklet Aurora Watch Company Grades and Production, 1st edition, 1995, and watches that have turned up in recent years on various auction and other sites.
Grade No. 61 (Stevens ETP = 228)
115901-960 (115932, 115950)
116101-110 (116102)
210022-028
210091-100
212001-021
212029-090 (212064 w/o Stevens reg., 212088)
215401-460
215491-500
Grade No. 63 (Stevens ETP = 125)
116001-015
212101-150 (212128 w/o Stevens reg.)
212411-420 (212414 w/o Stevens reg.)
213151-200 (213153, 213166, 213175, 213198)
Grade No. 66 (Stevens ETP = 545)
48301-340
48901-9000 (48901, 48927, 48929, 48943, 48959)
140101-145
140151-260 (140195, 140228)
141601-650 (141643, 141644)
141651-700 (141680)
141701-750 (141704, 141717, 141728)
141901-950 (141904, 141927)
142401-450 (142426)
Grade No. 68 (Stevens ETP = 90)
48601-610
49201-240 (49201, 49220, 49221, 49240)
141501-540 (141527, 141531)
Grade No. 70 (Stevens ETP = 46)
73851-856
74501-520 (74501, 74509)
74601-610 (74601)
74701-710 (74707)
Grade No. 72 (Stevens ETP = 5)
73751-755 (73752)
Grade No. 73 (Stevens ETP = 20)
39801-820 (39803, 39810)
Grade No. 74 (Stevens ETP = 20)
82501-510
82551-560 (82557)
Grade No. 75 (Stevens ETP = 5)
130001-005
Grade No. 76 (Stevens ETP = 2)
82401-402
Grade No. 77 (Stevens ETP = 55)
55801-820 (55803)
56001-010
56041-050
56111-125
Grade No. 79 (Stevens ETP = 35)
55901-905 (55902)
56011-020 (56012)
56031-040
56101-110
Other: (33420 regular model 15J Gilt Htg. with Hurd's reg.)
Aurora made approx. 3882 New Model movements. Of these, 1790 were for Charles Stark of Toronto and 1168 for J. P. Stevens of Atlanta. Below are the New Model runs for the J. P. Stevens movements:
J. P. Stevens of Atlanta was a major buyer of Aurora watches, purchasing about 1200 movements between 1887-1890. The vast majority are "New Model" grades and have Stevens' patent regulator affixed. Most of the runs of Stevens' private label Auroras can be found in the surviving factory records (in the NAWCC library), but not all. The data below is based on info in my booklet Aurora Watch Company Grades and Production, 1st edition, 1995, and watches that have turned up in recent years on various auction and other sites.
Grade No. 61 (Stevens ETP = 228)
115901-960 (115932, 115950)
116101-110 (116102)
210022-028
210091-100
212001-021
212029-090 (212064 w/o Stevens reg., 212088)
215401-460
215491-500
Grade No. 63 (Stevens ETP = 125)
116001-015
212101-150 (212128 w/o Stevens reg.)
212411-420 (212414 w/o Stevens reg.)
213151-200 (213153, 213166, 213175, 213198)
Grade No. 66 (Stevens ETP = 545)
48301-340
48901-9000 (48901, 48927, 48929, 48943, 48959)
140101-145
140151-260 (140195, 140228)
141601-650 (141643, 141644)
141651-700 (141680)
141701-750 (141704, 141717, 141728)
141901-950 (141904, 141927)
142401-450 (142426)
Grade No. 68 (Stevens ETP = 90)
48601-610
49201-240 (49201, 49220, 49221, 49240)
141501-540 (141527, 141531)
Grade No. 70 (Stevens ETP = 46)
73851-856
74501-520 (74501, 74509)
74601-610 (74601)
74701-710 (74707)
Grade No. 72 (Stevens ETP = 5)
73751-755 (73752)
Grade No. 73 (Stevens ETP = 20)
39801-820 (39803, 39810)
Grade No. 74 (Stevens ETP = 20)
82501-510
82551-560 (82557)
Grade No. 75 (Stevens ETP = 5)
130001-005
Grade No. 76 (Stevens ETP = 2)
82401-402
Grade No. 77 (Stevens ETP = 55)
55801-820 (55803)
56001-010
56041-050
56111-125
Grade No. 79 (Stevens ETP = 35)
55901-905 (55902)
56011-020 (56012)
56031-040
56101-110
Other: (33420 regular model 15J Gilt Htg. with Hurd's reg.)
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#82586: this private label "New Model" Aurora was ordered by the Justice
Jobbing Co. of Chicago and is marked Chronometer, Chicago. However, it was finished after Aurora's
failure in late in 1889 and subsequent purchase by Rood and Cain.
So it was probably sold to another party, or used to settle obligations
to various creditors or former employees.
Grade no. 74 (#82586, ETP for grade = 70, Chronometer variant with an ETP for variant = 40):
It has a double sunk dial signed Aurora Watch Co. If it had been finished and sold prior to Aurora's late 1889 failure it should have left the factory with a dial marked The J. J. Co. There is also a gilt version of this movement (ETP of only 90) and most of these were finished prior to the failure and so some of these have The J. J. Co. dials on them. However, the nickel version wasn't finished until after the failure, hence none of these have JJCo. dials on them.
A similar "dial problem" is known for the mvts marked "Caulfield for Railway Service" (see post above).
Here is the gilt version with The J. J. Co. dial:
Grade no. 81 (#64120, ETP for grade = 120, Chronometer variant with an ETP for variant = 90):
S/ns of Chronometer mvts with info on dials:
Gilt (grade no. 81):
64103---DS Aurora Watch Co.
64113---DS R. H. Ayer
64120---DS The J. J. Co.
64133---?
64138---?
64139---?
64156---DS The J. J. Co.
64169---DS Aurora Watch Co.
Nickel (grade no. 74):
82573---DS W. E. Cawood, Toledo, O.
82586---DS Aurora Watch Co.
82591---DS Aurora Watch Co.
(Note: #142489 is a Chronometer but it is NOT a New Model)
Jobbing Co. of Chicago and is marked Chronometer, Chicago. However, it was finished after Aurora's
failure in late in 1889 and subsequent purchase by Rood and Cain.
So it was probably sold to another party, or used to settle obligations
to various creditors or former employees.
Grade no. 74 (#82586, ETP for grade = 70, Chronometer variant with an ETP for variant = 40):
It has a double sunk dial signed Aurora Watch Co. If it had been finished and sold prior to Aurora's late 1889 failure it should have left the factory with a dial marked The J. J. Co. There is also a gilt version of this movement (ETP of only 90) and most of these were finished prior to the failure and so some of these have The J. J. Co. dials on them. However, the nickel version wasn't finished until after the failure, hence none of these have JJCo. dials on them.
A similar "dial problem" is known for the mvts marked "Caulfield for Railway Service" (see post above).
Here is the gilt version with The J. J. Co. dial:
Grade no. 81 (#64120, ETP for grade = 120, Chronometer variant with an ETP for variant = 90):
S/ns of Chronometer mvts with info on dials:
Gilt (grade no. 81):
64103---DS Aurora Watch Co.
64113---DS R. H. Ayer
64120---DS The J. J. Co.
64133---?
64138---?
64139---?
64156---DS The J. J. Co.
64169---DS Aurora Watch Co.
Nickel (grade no. 74):
82573---DS W. E. Cawood, Toledo, O.
82586---DS Aurora Watch Co.
82591---DS Aurora Watch Co.
(Note: #142489 is a Chronometer but it is NOT a New Model)
Surely others have a few neat Aurora pictures to share. I known John Cote has a terrific example of a 113. Others?
BTW, this thread should illustrate just how uncommon/scare/rare some of the Aurora grades and variants are. But that doesn't mean that they are super expensive (like Hamilton and Illinois). Many many collecting opportunities out there for some cool Auroras, and they show up on internet sites with some regularity.
BTW, this thread should illustrate just how uncommon/scare/rare some of the Aurora grades and variants are. But that doesn't mean that they are super expensive (like Hamilton and Illinois). Many many collecting opportunities out there for some cool Auroras, and they show up on internet sites with some regularity.
Just a tidbit of information which I like.
I have numerous private label watches but Aurora is the only manufacturer I have seen put their name under the balance cock.
There maybe others and I have just not seen one.
Have a look. This watch is shown in post #68.
I have numerous private label watches but Aurora is the only manufacturer I have seen put their name under the balance cock.
There maybe others and I have just not seen one.
Have a look. This watch is shown in post #68.
In addition to their 18s mvts for men, Aurora also made a line of 6 size ladies mvts. The table below shows the descriptions of the grades.
The first ten 6 size movements (#150,001 to 150,010) were described as experimental and given the grade no. 37. A few went to the company president and vice-president and the rest were sold to Trask and Plain of Aurora. They are 15 jewels with gilt plates.
Grade no. 37 (s/n 150004, total production = 10).
Grade no. 37 (s/n 150010, total production = 10).
The first ten 6 size movements (#150,001 to 150,010) were described as experimental and given the grade no. 37. A few went to the company president and vice-president and the rest were sold to Trask and Plain of Aurora. They are 15 jewels with gilt plates.
Grade no. 37 (s/n 150004, total production = 10).
Grade no. 37 (s/n 150010, total production = 10).
Before continuing with the 6s grades, here are a couple more 18s mvts:
Grade no. 37 (s/n 150003, total production = 10).
Grade no. 33 (s/n 151653, 11 jewels, gilt, early variant with flat balance bridge):
Grade no. 33 (s/n 157071, 11 jewels, gilt, late variant with stepped balance bridge):
Grade no. 33 (s/n 151653, 11 jewels, gilt, early variant with flat balance bridge):
Grade no. 33 (s/n 157071, 11 jewels, gilt, late variant with stepped balance bridge):
Grade no. 35 (s/n 151348,13 jewels gilt, note the absence of a visible jewel for the 3rd wheel pinion, early variant with flat balance bridge):
Grade no. 36 (s/n 150544,13 jewels nickel, note the absence of a visible jewel for the 3rd wheel pinion, early variant with flat balance bridge):
Grade no. 38 (s/n 150712,15 jewels nickel, highest grade 6s and was described in period sales catalogs as having ruby jewels, early variant with flat balance bridge):
Grade no. 36 (s/n 150544,13 jewels nickel, note the absence of a visible jewel for the 3rd wheel pinion, early variant with flat balance bridge):
Grade no. 38 (s/n 150712,15 jewels nickel, highest grade 6s and was described in period sales catalogs as having ruby jewels, early variant with flat balance bridge):
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The surviving factory records (which are incomplete) show the single run of 10 for the experimental grade no. 37 as well as the early runs for the grade nos. 33, 35, 36 and 38. The latter 4 production grades are described in period sales literature such as the 1891 net price list shown below:
But it turns out there there are some 6 size mvts that do not conform to the known grade descriptions. For example, there are some 11 jewel nickel movements. For the purpose of record keeping I proposed many years ago using the grade no. 34 for these, although there is no period info to support this (which is why it is italicized). Below is an example.
Grade no. 34 (s/n 157398, 11 jewels (note the upper 3rd jewel), nickel plates with characteristic damaskeening):
But it turns out there there are some 6 size mvts that do not conform to the known grade descriptions. For example, there are some 11 jewel nickel movements. For the purpose of record keeping I proposed many years ago using the grade no. 34 for these, although there is no period info to support this (which is why it is italicized). Below is an example.
Grade no. 34 (s/n 157398, 11 jewels (note the upper 3rd jewel), nickel plates with characteristic damaskeening):
Another late product with no period documentation are the 14 jewel nickel movements. For the purpose of record keeping I proposed many years ago using the grade no. 40 for these, although there is no period info to support this (which is why it is italicized). Below is an example.
Grade no. 40 (s/n 155862, 14 jewels (there is an upper 3rd jewel but no lower one), nickel plates with characteristic sunburst damaskeening):
Top of a partial grade no. 40 showing the upper 3rd jewel and bottom of same showing the absence of such:
Bottom of a 15 jewel grade no. 38 showing the lower 3rd jewel:
Grade no. 40 (s/n 155862, 14 jewels (there is an upper 3rd jewel but no lower one), nickel plates with characteristic sunburst damaskeening):
Top of a partial grade no. 40 showing the upper 3rd jewel and bottom of same showing the absence of such:
Bottom of a 15 jewel grade no. 38 showing the lower 3rd jewel:
I recently acquired an Aurora, due to my curiosity about it being somewhat rare, and because it's origin is near to my hometown (this Midwest area is sort of the theme of my collection).
Thanks to Greg for his wealth of information about this little-known watch. I read your article "Variants Of The 18-size 7-jewel Aurora Movements" to try to identify my example. It seems to closely match Figure 3, which represents stem-wind, hunting, lever set, and not marked "7 Jewels", which would designate it as Grade 1-Htg. The only difference I see is that the "Safety Pinion" marking is not on the barrel bridge, but rather under the regulator. Anyway, I recorded it in the database that way. I figure if I made a mistake, the experts here will find it.
Mine is running, by the way, and is in fairly good shape. I had to make a sidewinder out of it because I don't have a hunter case. I'm considering making it a project to clean it myself. We'll see.
Thanks for the information.
Thanks to Greg for his wealth of information about this little-known watch. I read your article "Variants Of The 18-size 7-jewel Aurora Movements" to try to identify my example. It seems to closely match Figure 3, which represents stem-wind, hunting, lever set, and not marked "7 Jewels", which would designate it as Grade 1-Htg. The only difference I see is that the "Safety Pinion" marking is not on the barrel bridge, but rather under the regulator. Anyway, I recorded it in the database that way. I figure if I made a mistake, the experts here will find it.
Mine is running, by the way, and is in fairly good shape. I had to make a sidewinder out of it because I don't have a hunter case. I'm considering making it a project to clean it myself. We'll see.
Thanks for the information.
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James,
Congrats. Yes, a grade 1-Htg. It is also a rather late one (1889-1892 era) and has the cool Aurora in banner style dial.
Enjoy,
Greg
Fascinating and beautiful watches here. Aurora is my new favorite, next to Rockford (hometown bias).
Not that I needed another Aurora, but here is a recent acquisition:
Most of the Auroras with this two-tone pattern are in the range from 81150-300. This one is lower numbered. Grade 8-htg. Railroad grade. Quite a number of Auroras in the range 81001 to 81300 were used in RR service on the Burlington Route in 1889/1890.
Most of the Auroras with this two-tone pattern are in the range from 81150-300. This one is lower numbered. Grade 8-htg. Railroad grade. Quite a number of Auroras in the range 81001 to 81300 were used in RR service on the Burlington Route in 1889/1890.
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