City Watch Factory….

[Keith H]

Hi,
I have recently come across a movement which is stamped City Watch Factory. The retailer is Samson Ayers, Liverpool. It’s a standard English Fusee but the first time I have seen a reference to this factory.
Has anyone any info on it please?

 

[John Matthews]

Keith

Sampson Ayers is listed in Liverpool trade directories for only a few years 1881 to 1883. I have never seen City Watch Factory on any other movements and neither can I find a listing. As you imply Ayres likely to be a retail outlet and possibly also a repair shop.

I am not convinced this watch was finished in Liverpool. I suspect it is a Coventry product which was signed for the retailer in a manner that he requested, the addition of the reference to 'Factory' a marketing ploy. I have formed the impression, not shared by everyone, that by the last quarter of the C19th while Liverpool had many retail outlets, a significant proportion of the 'everyday' watches that were being sold, were being finished in Coventry. This particularly being so for those watches in Coventry made cases and/or hallmarked at the Birmingham Assay Office.

John

 

[Keith H]

Keith

Sampson Ayers is listed in Liverpool trade directories for only a few years 1881 to 1883. I have never seen City Watch Factory on any other movements and neither can I find a listing. As you imply Ayres likely to be a retail outlet and possibly also a repair shop.

I am not convinced this watch was finished in Liverpool. I suspect it is a Coventry product which was signed for the retailer in a manner that he requested, the addition of the reference to 'Factory' a marketing ploy. I have formed the impression, not shared by everyone, that by the last quarter of the C19th while Liverpool had many retail outlets, a significant proportion of the 'everyday' watches that were being sold, were being finished in Coventry. This particularly being so for those watches in Coventry made cases and/or hallmarked at the Birmingham Assay Office.

John

John, Thanks for the information. I think you are correct in assuming the annotation was a marketing ploy. Here’s a photo of the dust cap which maybe shows the marketing awareness of this retailer.

 

[John Matthews]

Keith - is the cap stamped with any initials? If so a photograph would be appreciated.

John

 

[Keith H]

No initials I’m afraid but there is a mark/ stamp

 

[Keith H]

I’ve just had a look at some dust caps in one of my odds boxes. Out of 26 there are 12 with initials . Can post photos if. You wish.