Let's see your earliest Hampdens

[dcjens]

Here's my Hampden PW collection

 

[watchbob]

Woolworth 15J adjusted sn 53119 - Hampden finished NYWCo material ? Hampden Watch Co dial

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Woolworth 15J adjusted sn 53119 - Hampden finished NYWCo material ? Hampden Watch Co dial
View attachment 714938

In the inventory records your watch falls into a group of 200 "Billings" grade movements in inventory in 1875. This run is short balance cock movements from what has been seen, and I've still not seen a short cock movement marked Billings.

Yours is the 6th observation I've caught from that group. 4 are Woolworth, two are private labels. Only the very earliest one seen in the run has a New York dial and it's a private label, the second private label I haven't seen the dial, and the other four are Woolworth with Hampden dials.



Really cool watch thanks for sharing it. I have 53047 from that run and it matches the one you show, except your watch is adjusted. Hampden dial on this.

 

[Greg Frauenhoff]

I like this one (#74084) because it's in a massive 6 ounce case:

 

[luvsthetick]

I am posting this watch here because the seller described it as being a Hampden. I had to have it since I had not seen one with a real no name dial. The seller described it as a non-runner but also stated the balance did swing.

It turned out to be an easy fix as the balance had no roller jewel and its oil level was a quart over full. So after a new jewel and a COA it is feeling better. It still retains its dust band.

Even though the serial number (68137) is well into Hampden numbers, I feel that after dismantling the watch it probably has as many left over New York parts as it does Hampden parts (just a feeling I have from noticing the NY style balance).

So here is my (recent arrival) low serial number Hampden in a 3oz. case. Really happy the dial is in great shape and the movement is clean. Must have spent time in a sock drawer. It is a "Favorite".

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Very neat! Here are a couple 7 jewel Springfield's I've seen in close proximity.

68182 is a regular marked Springfield with a SS Hampden dial

68362 matches your movement and dial.

Thanks for sharing your watch

 

[luvsthetick]

68362 matches your movement and dial.

Thanks for sharing your watch

Rick,

Did New York use flat unmarked dials that had not had the name buffed off?

Thanks!

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Rick,

Did New York use flat unmarked dials that had not had the name buffed off?

Thanks!

I haven't seen any evidence of unsunk New York dials and have none recorded. These dials appear on very early Hampdens. A quick glance shows only 8 unsunk dials. Mostly Springfield's (regular and P.L.), and a couple oddball keywinders (lake shore/monitor). The dials are between 58000 (start of Springfield grade) and 70,000 (random serial number). The two oddball 11 jewel movements have lower serial numbers but they are Hampdens.

The couple dials I've been able to verify as having the name buffed off are single sunk.

 

[pmurphy]

Hampden Mod. 2 18s 15j lever-set circa 1891, Teske regulator. My first open-face sidewinder.

Got a great deal on this on the Bay or at least I think I did as I have been trying to take advantage of the "make offer" option.

Watch is in excellent condition and runs very well. Dial would be in perfect condition if it wasn't for couple of chips. Crystal appears to be acrylic and not original but does look to be period-correct.

Edit: Speaking of dials, I got to wondering if this dial is original with the red numerals around the outside of it.

 

[dcjens]

Hampden Mod. 2 18s 15j lever-set circa 1891, Teske regulator. My first open-face sidewinder.

Got a great deal on this on the Bay or at least I think I did as I have been trying to take advantage of the "make offer" option.

Watch is in excellent condition and runs very well. Dial would be in perfect condition if it wasn't for couple of chips. Crystal appears to

Nice!
Made me get out mine I've had for nearly 50 yrs. Very similar.
Is it missing the widget F>S adjuster?

 

[pmurphy]

As far as the F>S adjuster goes I was wondering that myself. It does look that way. The movement apparently has been serviced numerous times from all the numbers scratched onto the caseback.

By the way, I like the fancy dial on your watch and acquiring a fancy dial watch is my next collecting goal.

 

[Jim Haney]

Some more Information on these watches. I have 4 examples that may or may not be early Hampdens .

All of these are J.C. Perry

52117--N.Y. Dial
52347-N.Y. Dial
52353- Hampden Dial
57418-Hampden Dial

All of these are KW/KS with Nickel plates and have the Hampden type of damaskeening, Lines of different waves, across the plates. I can post Pic's if requested after they are gone.

 

[musicguy]

Thanks to Jim H and especially the Hampden King, Rick H. for some well needed screws
for this early Hampden.






Rob

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Oh geez Rob, I'm glad the screws look good but Hampden King? I stand on the shoulders of Giants! Lol.

 

[watchbob]

America model Unmarked dial ser# 61718