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Please Show the Most Recent Addition to Your Collection
- Thread starter Clint Geller
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Allan C. Purcell
NAWCC Member
This watch is not in its original case, so something to work on. The movement is from the United Watch Company, Marion, New York.
The case is a cion silver by Fahy, and though it's not the original case the movement fits very well for this key wind watch, feels almost English.
I bought this because it is a small part ot the Howard Brothers history.
Runs well too. (serial No. 21148)
Allan.
The case is a cion silver by Fahy, and though it's not the original case the movement fits very well for this key wind watch, feels almost English.
I bought this because it is a small part ot the Howard Brothers history.
Runs well too. (serial No. 21148)
Allan.
This should read, "United States Watch Co. Marion, New Jersey"
Unted States Watch Co. Marion, New Jersey
U.S. Watch Co. (Marion, NJ) Pocket Watch: Serial Number 21148 (Grade S.M. Beard)
Rob
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bkrownd
Registered User
My grandfather's railroad watches. I'd guess the Hamilton is from when he started in 1950s, and the wrist watch is from whenever they were allowed to switch to wristwatches around 1970. The pocket watch chain is aluminum, and the case is stainless steel, screw-on on both sides.
When my dad brought these out he told me about how I broke his own antique RR pocket watch as a toddler - picking it up by the chain, swinging it around my head, and throwing it across the room. So I'm told - I don't remember this grave incident.
When my dad brought these out he told me about how I broke his own antique RR pocket watch as a toddler - picking it up by the chain, swinging it around my head, and throwing it across the room. So I'm told - I don't remember this grave incident.
geno55
Registered User
My grandfather's railroad watches. I'd guess the Hamilton is from when he started in 1950s, and the wrist watch is from whenever they were allowed to switch to wristwatches around 1970. The pocket watch chain is aluminum, and the case is stainless steel, screw-on on both sides.
When my dad brought these out he told me about how I broke his own antique RR pocket watch as a toddler - picking it up by the chain, swinging it around my head, and throwing it across the room. So I'm told - I don't remember this grave incident.
View attachment 734580
Illinois 606, model 9, 16s, A3P, PS, #4093944 (1922), with "Illinois Central" marked on dial and movement.
The 606 was purchased last August complete with the 20 yr GF Star SB&B case (which shows additional screw marks for at least one prior resident) in excellent shape showing little wear, a firm bow, and no bezel or rear cover threading issues. The movement (with the sun burst damaskeen pattern) is in beautiful condition and keeps good time also. The DS dial does have some HL's at the 3:17 position on the outer dial.
The 606 was purchased last August complete with the 20 yr GF Star SB&B case (which shows additional screw marks for at least one prior resident) in excellent shape showing little wear, a firm bow, and no bezel or rear cover threading issues. The movement (with the sun burst damaskeen pattern) is in beautiful condition and keeps good time also. The DS dial does have some HL's at the 3:17 position on the outer dial.
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Allan C. Purcell
NAWCC Member
Today, arrived the Illinois watch I have been waiting for, from the UK. (Scottland really) I have only one more before Christmas this year. the last one for this year is on its way from Australia.
These rolled gold watches in good condition are always a pleasure to look at. Should last at least 20 years it says, made in 1911, and still not warn out. The chain was not included in the deal, I wanted to look at it on my vest. I decided to wear it next week at the DGC in Recklinghausen.
Illinois Watch Company, Springfield Ill. Serial number 2317362, 21 jewels, adjusted to temperature and 3 positions.
(only 200 made)
I like it, hope you do too.
Allan
These rolled gold watches in good condition are always a pleasure to look at. Should last at least 20 years it says, made in 1911, and still not warn out. The chain was not included in the deal, I wanted to look at it on my vest. I decided to wear it next week at the DGC in Recklinghausen.
Illinois Watch Company, Springfield Ill. Serial number 2317362, 21 jewels, adjusted to temperature and 3 positions.
(only 200 made)
I like it, hope you do too.
Allan
My Illinois program tells me 2,530 of these were made
that makes it an uncommon watch.
Nice find!
Rob
geno55
Registered User
18S 14K Multi-colored HC Hampden Railway out of Bonhams Geno
Allan C. Purcell
NAWCC Member
My Illinois program tells me 2,530 of these were made
that makes it an uncommon watch.
Nice find!
Hi Rob, my Illinois program reads run quantity 200, Total Production 39, 210. or am I reading it wrong?
Allan.
Run quantity is meaningless in this situation it could be a mixedHi Rob, my program reads run quantity 200, Total Production 39, 210. or am I reading it wrong?
run. The total amount for this variation that you have is 2,530
according to the Illinois Watch Company Database Project Look up table.
I can't tell if you are reading it wrong
Rob
You have a lovely watch, Mr. Kirk. Congratulations. In case you may not have known, "C. J. & Bro." stands for Celestine Jacot & Brother, who were prominent Philadelphia case makers of the period.
pmurphy
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Waltham 1894 Gr. 210 12s 7j circa 1921.
The watch itself is probably pretty common and not really a big deal however is is in excellent condition and works good. Caseback has a couple of shallow depressions in it (not what I would call dents) and only one tiny but visible scratch, otherwise the watch as a whole looks pretty much new. And the price was too cheap to pass up!
The case mfgr. is the S.W.C. Co that I never heard of.
The watch itself is probably pretty common and not really a big deal however is is in excellent condition and works good. Caseback has a couple of shallow depressions in it (not what I would call dents) and only one tiny but visible scratch, otherwise the watch as a whole looks pretty much new. And the price was too cheap to pass up!
The case mfgr. is the S.W.C. Co that I never heard of.
Allan C. Purcell
NAWCC Member
Rob, just a quick question, the information above, "is that not the project bases"? I am reading.
Allan,
All I can say is that the PWD is not correct in this particular situation.
You are reading the data but it's incorrect.
Rob
Fred Hansen
NAWCC Member
- Aug 18, 2002
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Total production of the 21 jewel open face version of the Grade 89 is 2530 made, but the Grade 89 is much more common in a 17 jewel open face version with 30-something thousand total production in this jewel count so I assume the database result is a combination of the 17 jewel and the 21 jewel production.
I assumed the same thing, thanks for giving Allan a better explanation than mine!
Rob
Allan C. Purcell
NAWCC Member
Ron, Fred, thank you both, for taking the time to sort that out for me.
While we are talking about definitions of American pocket watches, I bought an Illinois pocket watch yesterday, and it should be here tomorrow. (A local chap here in Germany, I phoned to ask about his photographs). So yesterday I spent some time trying to find out about the Illinois grade 555. There is an old thread from 2009, that was not too clear, that came to no final decision. By now you will know what my questions are, though I do know it is not a chronometer, that the English would have, with a detent. It has a nice straight-line lever. Another point is they thought the watch was made in 1918/19, but the Illinois Serial numbers say 1922. No matter really. I like the watch. ( I never thought I would buy a modern pocket watch).
My question then, is can you tell me where I can find more information on this Illinois Grade 555? Plus does anyone know why they named it 555, some think it was named for an American railroad train. After thought, I do know it is not a RR watch, but with 5 Adjustments, and 21Jewles, I would have thought so.
Thanks again,
Allan.
While we are talking about definitions of American pocket watches, I bought an Illinois pocket watch yesterday, and it should be here tomorrow. (A local chap here in Germany, I phoned to ask about his photographs). So yesterday I spent some time trying to find out about the Illinois grade 555. There is an old thread from 2009, that was not too clear, that came to no final decision. By now you will know what my questions are, though I do know it is not a chronometer, that the English would have, with a detent. It has a nice straight-line lever. Another point is they thought the watch was made in 1918/19, but the Illinois Serial numbers say 1922. No matter really. I like the watch. ( I never thought I would buy a modern pocket watch).
My question then, is can you tell me where I can find more information on this Illinois Grade 555? Plus does anyone know why they named it 555, some think it was named for an American railroad train.
After thought, I do know it is not a RR watch, but with 5 Adjustments, and 21Jewles, I would have thought so.
Thanks again,
Allan.
Hey Allan
It's a Hampden grade 555
Hampden Pocket Watch: Serial Number 3697506 (Grade No. 555)
Serial lookups, info, specs, and value for American antique pocket watches covering manufacturers like Elgin, Illinois, Waltham, and Hamilton
pocketwatchdatabase.com
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Allan C. Purcell
NAWCC Member
So the Deuber-Hampden did not turn up today, maybe tomorrow. Then at lunchtime, the doorbell rang, and there was the postman with a long chin.
Australia again, he said €78 import duties. I cheered him with," I was expecting that and gave him eighty euros."
Paillard Watch Company Chicago U.S.A
On the Plate, again Paillard Watch Company, Chicago. 15 Jewels, Safety Pinion. SN 1310049.
No indication of the Illinois Watch Company, who made it. Though it is a PL and cased in a sterling silver case
by A.L.D. Dennison of Birmingham UK. The date letter is the letter (t) for 1893.
I think that's great, the American watch movement, in a case made by an American living in England. Bought by an Englishman,
from a nice guy in Australia. You all know Bila. The list below estimates a date of 1896, but we see it must have been made at least three years earlier.
It's a pity you guys did not use hallmarks, would have made our research much easier.
Cheers,
Allan.
Australia again, he said €78 import duties. I cheered him with," I was expecting that and gave him eighty euros."
Paillard Watch Company Chicago U.S.A
On the Plate, again Paillard Watch Company, Chicago. 15 Jewels, Safety Pinion. SN 1310049.
No indication of the Illinois Watch Company, who made it. Though it is a PL and cased in a sterling silver case
by A.L.D. Dennison of Birmingham UK. The date letter is the letter (t) for 1893.
I think that's great, the American watch movement, in a case made by an American living in England. Bought by an Englishman,
from a nice guy in Australia. You all know Bila. The list below estimates a date of 1896, but we see it must have been made at least three years earlier.
It's a pity you guys did not use hallmarks, would have made our research much easier.
Cheers,
Allan.
1908
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Your new pocket watch has led a life and is still going strong. Nothing but the highest admiration. Absolutely love the watch and its history.
Steve
Christopher Burris
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Just got this Waltham #3428689 grade 35, A.T.& Co. 15 Jewel Private label movement for John A. Heuser and fancy dial with no name.
John A. Heuser held at least one patent, for a clock. Patent Clock Tower Mystery by John A. Heuser Issued Jun 9, 1891
John A. Heuser held at least one patent, for a clock. Patent Clock Tower Mystery by John A. Heuser Issued Jun 9, 1891
It's great to see this thread I started 30 pages back still going strong. I hope everyone else is enjoying it as much as I am.
Allan C. Purcell
NAWCC Member
First things first, thank you, Clint, for starting this thread, I like it too. So here is another, My Illinois-Deuber-Hampden watch turned up the next morning, it was then the penny had dropped, and I realised the above mistake. I put that down to three Illinois pocket watches I was looking at at the time this turned up, plus old age. There is though a small hiccup, there is something wrong with the winding, the stem goes up and down, but up or down it only moves the hands, so of to the watchmaker.
Here is a part of the mistake. Thanks to Ruff, for pointing me in the right direction, I was wondering at first, it had Deuber-Hampden on the dial.
Best wishes,
Allan.
Here is a part of the mistake. Thanks to Ruff, for pointing me in the right direction, I was wondering at first, it had Deuber-Hampden on the dial.
Best wishes,
Allan.
18s Hampden 15J Railway model 2 movement. #373405 (1885-86)
I don't have many Hampdens, but I jumped on the chance to get one made in Springfield MA. not in Canton OH. I live in MA about 8 miles from the Waltham factory (now condos) and hadn't come across any made here in MA until I came across this one. Though granted I don't usually search for Hampdens.
The watch was purchased as a complete movement only with no case. The 15j movement has pressed jewels in false screw settings ( much like my 1869 Walth. 18s PSB). Both the dial and movement are in excellent condition, and as usual, I cased it from acquired spares purchased over time.
Not a bad runner, but it needs a COA and MS.
I don't have many Hampdens, but I jumped on the chance to get one made in Springfield MA. not in Canton OH. I live in MA about 8 miles from the Waltham factory (now condos) and hadn't come across any made here in MA until I came across this one. Though granted I don't usually search for Hampdens.
The watch was purchased as a complete movement only with no case. The 15j movement has pressed jewels in false screw settings ( much like my 1869 Walth. 18s PSB). Both the dial and movement are in excellent condition, and as usual, I cased it from acquired spares purchased over time.
Not a bad runner, but it needs a COA and MS.
StanJS
Registered User
My latest is a circa 1946 Waltham Vanguard 23J 16S S/N 32401410. The purchase turned into a comedy of (my) errors. I saw this in a Canadian auction and threw in a bid. There were no contenders and I won it for $140 CAN + 20% fee = $168 CAN. I then noticed that the auction house didn't ship. I'll have to remember to check that before I bid the next time. I contacted one of their preferred shippers to pick it up and ship it and another watch to me for $75 CAN. In the end, dividing up costs, it wound up costing me about $154.82 US.
StanJS
Registered User
The second watch mentioned in the vignette above turned out to be a mistake. The auction house claimed it was a 15J Rockford and I didn't check, assuming they knew what they were talking about. It is a circa 1890 Rockford 18S 11J S/N 367117. In the end, it cost me about $165.87 US. I learned two lessons, but both translate to: PAY ATTENTION TWIT! The best thing about this watch is the coin silver swing-out case. It is the only one I own. I wonder who Joseph Harrison was...
Hamilton 16s 971(H/C), ser. no. 327009 (1905), 21j, A5P, P/S.
Over the past year or more I've been slowly filling grade gaps in my 16s Hamilton collection, and I came cross this one back in October.
It had been relegated to a somewhat cheap no name display case. The watch came with a Hamilton dial, but the company's signature had been obliterated. Luckily, at the same time, I also bought a 16s 4 ft., glass enamel Hamilton lettered dial at a low price (they seem to have been phased out early by Hamilton but not sure when), and used it as a replacement.
The movement was in very good condition and after oiling it I put on the new dial , and been running it since mid November. After a bit of regulation, to find the best average positions to keep it at night to compensate for error over the day. To date it's been keeping accurate time.
Nice to pick up a good runner and I hope to get a decent HC for it in the near future.
I tend to fiddle with small groups of my watches, pulling them out to run and time for a week or so. Some haven't been run in a few years or more
(I leave out any needing obvious service) and some are recent purchases. In any event it gives me chance to check up on, and run, early acquisitions for a few days to see their still running OK and can tell accurate time.
Over the past year or more I've been slowly filling grade gaps in my 16s Hamilton collection, and I came cross this one back in October.
It had been relegated to a somewhat cheap no name display case. The watch came with a Hamilton dial, but the company's signature had been obliterated. Luckily, at the same time, I also bought a 16s 4 ft., glass enamel Hamilton lettered dial at a low price (they seem to have been phased out early by Hamilton but not sure when), and used it as a replacement.
The movement was in very good condition and after oiling it I put on the new dial , and been running it since mid November. After a bit of regulation, to find the best average positions to keep it at night to compensate for error over the day. To date it's been keeping accurate time.
Nice to pick up a good runner and I hope to get a decent HC for it in the near future.
I tend to fiddle with small groups of my watches, pulling them out to run and time for a week or so. Some haven't been run in a few years or more
(I leave out any needing obvious service) and some are recent purchases. In any event it gives me chance to check up on, and run, early acquisitions for a few days to see their still running OK and can tell accurate time.
Old rookie
NAWCC Member
Very nice watch and the photography is none to shabby! 
I hope that many of us were able to add new items to our collections at the recent Jones-Horan auction. This is my newest watch - an 1891 model 0-size Waltham Ball. I have had a 1900-model example for many years but always wanted one of the earlier versions. This one has the dial for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BofLE) Queen. (I hope one day to find the correct hands).
For comparison, here it is next to my 1900 model (on the right) -
For comparison, here it is next to my 1900 model (on the right) -
Shawn Moulder
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I usually don't buy swiss watches but I always wanted a nice gunmetal watch with rose gold accents.
- Jan 1, 2011
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Must have been Vandet
Not many railroad guys got along with steamboaters. Must have belonged to Vanderbilt.
And a very nice one also! Congrats.
1908
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I bought a cheap Waltham Traveler over the Christmas period. It is a 1908 model built in 1913. I have a soft spot for the Waltham 7 jewel underdogs of the pocket watch world. The rear of the case has some wear and it has seen heavy use over the years but I love it despite its aged appearance.
Stephen
Stephen
1908
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I meant to post this recent addition 3 or 4 weeks back but forgot. 1888 silver case with an 1889 model 1883 movement. I'm assuming the case is original because I cannot see any additional screw marks. Unfortunately the inner hinge movement cover is missing and the movement is awaiting a replacement mainspring. I really like it despite some of its faults.
Stephen
Stephen
Just received my first and only watch (so far), a Waltham that belonged to my grandfather.
Model: 1883 17j
Grade: 825
Size: 18s
Open Face, Gold Filled A. W. C. Co. 'Empress' case.
No engraving on the case back, or any other unique markings that I can see.
Based on the manufacture date, I doubt he received this watch from new, but I'd love to learn more about how this specific movement and case combo were marketed and sold, so I could possibly figure out how he came to own it / receive it as a gift. It winds and ticks, but I'm planning to take it to a local repair shop for cleaning and servicing (if needed) soon. I'm debating whether to wear it with a chain, or get a leather holder to hang it from a belt.
Model: 1883 17j
Grade: 825
Size: 18s
Open Face, Gold Filled A. W. C. Co. 'Empress' case.
No engraving on the case back, or any other unique markings that I can see.
Based on the manufacture date, I doubt he received this watch from new, but I'd love to learn more about how this specific movement and case combo were marketed and sold, so I could possibly figure out how he came to own it / receive it as a gift. It winds and ticks, but I'm planning to take it to a local repair shop for cleaning and servicing (if needed) soon. I'm debating whether to wear it with a chain, or get a leather holder to hang it from a belt.
4thdimension
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The model ‘83 is a terrific watch, easy to work on and parts aren’t hard to find. A great first watch! -Cort
Thyme4Clocks
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Purchased this Hamilton “Railway Special” from my local watch shop last weekend.
Montgomery Dial makes this watch a nice “collector’s item” and I’m having so much fun w/ this ‘lil “gem!”
Wishing e·one the best in the new year, N•Joy pics!
Lol · ·
Lol, “Just for fun!”
Montgomery Dial makes this watch a nice “collector’s item” and I’m having so much fun w/ this ‘lil “gem!”
Wishing e·one the best in the new year, N•Joy pics!
Lol · ·
Lol, “Just for fun!”
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viclip
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- Jul 20, 2018
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ELGIN DE LUXE
Picked this up today at one of the few remaining antique shops in our neck of the woods.
This 10-size 17-jewel Model 5 Grade 542 Elgin is in its factory-supplied 10K yellow gold filled case. This 80-year-old watch likely spent most of its life sitting in a drawer. It functions fine & is maintaining good time.
It would make a very nice entry level dress watch for a young man to sport on special occasions.
Picked this up today at one of the few remaining antique shops in our neck of the woods.
This 10-size 17-jewel Model 5 Grade 542 Elgin is in its factory-supplied 10K yellow gold filled case. This 80-year-old watch likely spent most of its life sitting in a drawer. It functions fine & is maintaining good time.
It would make a very nice entry level dress watch for a young man to sport on special occasions.
Illinois 806 16s 3882076 Santa Fe Special Adj. 3p (1921)
The 806 model 9, is certainly one of my favorite movements when it comes to Illinois 16s watches and I've looked to buying a 16s Santa Fe Special for years and finally purchased this one last year. The watch is in great condition having it's original case, dial, and movement and, outside of a floppy bow, the watch is in very good cosmetic condition. The movement looks beautiful but runs somewhat sluggishly and will be needing service.
There is an excellent and very informative about the Santa Fe Watch Co. of Topeka KS in the NAWCC encylopedia, which marketed Santa Fe Specials in a myriad of sizes and versions.
With the exception of the Santa Fe RR ( adj. 3 positions, CU, CL, CR) which accepted them for a period, they were not accepted by any other RR.
That being said they were popular for a time, ending in the early 1920s, and still have the same appeal to collectors today.
Below are images of ads for the SFSp from the encyclopedia article.
The 806 model 9, is certainly one of my favorite movements when it comes to Illinois 16s watches and I've looked to buying a 16s Santa Fe Special for years and finally purchased this one last year. The watch is in great condition having it's original case, dial, and movement and, outside of a floppy bow, the watch is in very good cosmetic condition. The movement looks beautiful but runs somewhat sluggishly and will be needing service.
There is an excellent and very informative about the Santa Fe Watch Co. of Topeka KS in the NAWCC encylopedia, which marketed Santa Fe Specials in a myriad of sizes and versions.
With the exception of the Santa Fe RR ( adj. 3 positions, CU, CL, CR) which accepted them for a period, they were not accepted by any other RR.
That being said they were popular for a time, ending in the early 1920s, and still have the same appeal to collectors today.
Below are images of ads for the SFSp from the encyclopedia article.
Ethan Lipsig
Gold Member
Paul, you said that your new "watch is in great condition [except for] a floppy bow." I used to think that pocket watch bows were floppy because of poor design, wear, or inappropriate replacement, and that nothing could be done about them, but then a friend showed me his bow pliers, a slight squeeze of which tightened the floppiest of bows. I bought one for myself from Dave Coatsworth. It's a hoary, weird-looking tool, probably at least 100 years old, but it has taken the flop out of all my floppy bows except the smallest ones, for which I would need a smaller pair of bow pliers.
Ethan,
Thank you for the tip. I've seen them for on ebay so I'll have to pick one up. I've got quite a few watches with with loose bows!
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