Calling all Pocket Watch Buffs

Canuck · Jul 25, 2023

TexOmega
Well, I just picked up my latest PW and it has two main features I covet, an early American Watch Co. movement, Plus, an extremely early 4-hinge Hunter G.W. Ladd watch case in great condition.

As seen, one notices another movement occupied the case prior to this Model 1857(addition markings for a case screw), and with the GWL marking plus the case #12919, was made in the late 1860's.

American Watch Co.
18s 11j KWKS with key
Grade: PS Bartlett
Circa 1875
Moon hands
Proper markings under the bezel identifing GW 😀😀😀😀Ladd's 1867 Patent engraving
Coin edge, engine turned

Awaiting pictures! 😀

TexOmega · Jul 25, 2023

There they are, were on my iPhone

Canuck · Jul 25, 2023

TexOmega
There they are, were on my iPhone

Still waiting, 😗

TexOmega · Jul 25, 2023

Just look at my posting, I added the pictures

Canuck · Jul 25, 2023

TexOmega
Just look at my posting, I added the pictures

I think I detect a diamond endstone on the balance cock. The s# appears to be 738097. If I’m correct, here is the story on the movement. One of my favourite Walthams is my 1857 with 15 jewels. Coin silver case. Runs okay, but not a great timekeeper. Mine has an 856xxx s#, so it is a year or two newer. Great addition!

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/waltham/738097

ghce · Jul 25, 2023

This back this morning from my Watchmaker after a mainspring replacement supplied courtesy of Canuck.

Glad to have it back.

Not sure about the case maker for this, haven't seen this case makers hallmark before.

TexOmega · Jul 25, 2023

Appears to be a GW Ladd case(later examples had the head facing left)....confirm on case under bezel....it appears to me it may say "GW Ladd patent 67"

ghce · Jul 25, 2023

TexOmega
Appears to be a GW Ladd case(later examples had the head facing left)....confirm on case under bezel....it appears to me it may say "GW Ladd patent 67"

Thanks for that, you are spot on!

TexOmega · Jul 25, 2023

And it is 1883-1890 or so when they shut down, nobody bought them out.

And they're tops in quality and thickness of gold......9ct or a touch better.....but still GF

You can see the DNA with my favorite Open Face case

Canuck · Jul 25, 2023

ghce
This back this morning from my Watchmaker after a mainspring replacement supplied courtesy of Canuck.

Glad to have it back.

Not sure about the case maker for this, haven't seen this case makers hallmark before.

GOOD LOOKING watch! I’m glad I was able to help.

Bernhard J · Jul 26, 2023

I acquired this one recently. Single handed, winding through the center of the hand. About 1690, France. 330 years old and still running strong 😀

Canuck · Jul 26, 2023

The repousse decoration in the centre of the dial was likely done in karat gold. I believe the numerals, each in a separate enamel tab is called “cartouche”. Does the fusee use a chain or a cable? I’d be interested to know what procedure might have to be used to set the hour hand.

Bernhard J · Jul 26, 2023

Yes, these are called cartouche. You may notice that some are a bit yellowish. These likely are replacements. Since they are enamel, they are prone to be damaged.

Cable was used much later, starting in the 19th century, and mainly in clocks. These early watches (as well as clocks) either have a chain, as here, or catgut lines.

Setting the hand is most simple, turn it with a finger 😁. The center is indeed solid gold.

Canuck · Jul 26, 2023

I believe that very early watches (and clocks) had mostly cartouche dials because the processes used in vitreous enamel work hadn’t evolved sufficiently to permit complete vitreous enamel dials. I’m certain there may have been exceptions, and some enamel dials do exist.

Waltesefalcon · Jul 26, 2023

Bernard, that's stunning. I only own one fusee and it about 150 years newer.

TexOmega · Jul 31, 2023

New Columbus Watch Co. succeeded the Columbus Watch Co. circa 1893, which was organized in 1882 by Dietrich Gruen.
In 1899, Hampden achieved the right to use "Railway"and NCWCo. had to change their RR grade Railway King to Columbus King with these described as a "higher grade" and assigned to a special block number serial #'s starting at 500,001. List price as advertised, $20.

My Columbus King movement has a serial # 372248 circa 1901-2 that puts it in the transition area(can't waste good parts and pieces!) as it has the dial marked with the new company name. However by 1903, it was sold to South Bend Watch Co.

Minimal numbers have surfaced with the transitional serial numbers.

New Columbus Watch Co
Circa 1901-2
17j Model #2
18s Columbus King: RR grade adjusted to 5 positions and Temperature
Cool and correct Fleur de Lis hands always a favorite of mine
Hunter Case must have been sacrificed at some point

Personalized and Handmade lanyard by @Duracuir1

Canuck · Jul 31, 2023

Oddly, the original name of the company that became the Hamilton Watch Co. was the Columbian Watch Co. When it was discovered that the name had been copyrighted by another watch company, the alternate name chosen was Hamilton. The firm was located in Hamilton County Pa. Just a bit of unrelated trivia. 😀

Alpha · Aug 2, 2023

Humble Smiths Empire on desk duty today 😀

WestCoastTime · Aug 5, 2023

"Daylight Saving Time Watch"
Judging by the pictures, 2 hour hands stacked on the same hour pinion. Looks like a 0-jewel pin lever escapement, so you can not know both Standard & Daylight time all at once 😀

ghce · Aug 10, 2023

Just bought this one at auction, will be interesting to see what it is though googling similar ones shows up Marque Autocrat 12S 17 jewel 3 positions and isochronism plus temperature with a 14 K GF case ( from google not this sale).

Finding a new glass will probably be a B*#ch ! and the seller claims they dont know if it works, read NOT.