I haven't had much money for hobbies of late. I try to satisfy my watch itch by making low ball bids on auction sites - and consistently losing. I saw this face on what was obviously a well used watch. There was almost as much brass as gold showing on the case. There were no knurls left on the crown. Given the dial and the visible external wear, I had dreams of a nice railroad watch (that had a long and useful life) hidden inside. I bid $76. It held at my bid for 3 days and I won it ($85.70 with S/H).
I spent the couple of days waiting for it to arrive hoping it was a Father Time. When I got it, it was really screwed shut (which is why the seller didn't show the movement). It took me almost 30 seconds to get it open with a rubber jar opener.
Since I gave it away in the title, you know I didn't find a Father Time inside, but I was darn close. They made 4400 of these 18s Grade 390s in 2 runs.
390 4400 made 21j A5P Marked BWR, FT or 349.
This one (15,768,871) is from the second run circa 1910. Some were marked Father Time or B. W. Raymond and some, like this one, were marked "No. 349". You can see it at left. The engraving isn't gold like the rest.
Anyone else want to show their 390s? Anyone else got one marked "No. 349"? They are a sweet watch!
I spent the couple of days waiting for it to arrive hoping it was a Father Time. When I got it, it was really screwed shut (which is why the seller didn't show the movement). It took me almost 30 seconds to get it open with a rubber jar opener.
Since I gave it away in the title, you know I didn't find a Father Time inside, but I was darn close. They made 4400 of these 18s Grade 390s in 2 runs.
390 4400 made 21j A5P Marked BWR, FT or 349.
This one (15,768,871) is from the second run circa 1910. Some were marked Father Time or B. W. Raymond and some, like this one, were marked "No. 349". You can see it at left. The engraving isn't gold like the rest.
Anyone else want to show their 390s? Anyone else got one marked "No. 349"? They are a sweet watch!
