Hampden 21 Jewel Watch info needed

[Dutto11]

Hi Guys & Gals,
I recently picked up a very nice 21 jewel Open Face Hampden 18 size (Dueber Watch Co.) watch and was after any information about this type of watch ie: if it is collectable or if it is a nice watch to keep in my collection & what type of quality went into the making of them etc. The serial number is #2563417 which dates it around 1908 and is a model 3
I can't post any pictures of it at the moment as I'm at work and the photos are in my camere at home so I will post them tonight when I get home.
I have recently picked up 2 Hampden 105 21 Jewels 16 size beauties and any discussion would be most greatful as I am not into 18 size watches, mainly 16 size Rail Road grade.
Thanks
Gary

 

[49stude63]

Hampden watches are probably under-appreciated and there is no reason this watch isn't RR approved that I know of, it is 18s, 21j, adj 5p, LS. I have a couple of Hampden 18s full plates and they are nicely dmk'd. Nice watch looking forward to your pictures.

 

[Dutto11]

Hi All,
Herer are the pictures and sorry for the quality.
Gary

 

[HenryB]

The Dueber Watch Co. Grade by Hampden is believed to have 13 variations.
Variations are a combination of 11,15,17, and 21 Jewels, OF/HC/, Finishes and adjustments - non-adjusted, adjusted,adjusted to 5 Positions, and Special adjusted.

Yours is adjusted, also a large number of the 2563xxx series are observed as 21J adjusted to 5 positions.

Hampden did not make that many 21 J and above watches.
My estimates are only about 5.5 % of the Hampden watches were 21J and above.

http://www.nawcc-ch149.com/pw_dbresearch.html

Drill down on the Special Projects- Hampden Jewel listing for the Jeweling numbers.

Although we tend to see a lot of 21J Hampdens on this website, they were not made in any real quantities by Hampden, considering their entire manufactuiring product line.

Obviously the quality is good for a Hampden, being a 21 Jewel.
The top of the line Hampdens were the Special and New Railways (per the pricing advertisements we see).

 

[Dutto11]

Henry,
Thanks for the great information. I have been wearing my watch for the past couple of days and after I cleaned it is now running very nice and keeping great time.
Cheers
Gary