Calling all Pocket Watch Buffs

ghce · Aug 21, 2023

Canuck
The pocketwatchdatabase information on the Howard (Keystone).

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/e.-howard-watch-co.-keystone/954805

Too bad about the case.

Attached is a picture of my Keystone Howard series 4 in an original Keystone case.

I had pretty much sworn off movement only purchases unless they were a bit special and in need of saving ie RR, rare or just plain gorgeous and in truth this one looked nice but wasn't an RR however it is Double Roller and 5 pos plus temp and iso and 17 Jewel however pendant set, hunting case, Roman numerals and I guess with a production date of approx 1910 its not surprising its not RR but still a damn fine and accurate time piece!

Canuck · Aug 21, 2023

ghce
I had pretty much sworn off movement only purchases unless they were a bit special and in need of saving ie RR, rare or just plain gorgeous and in truth this one looked nice but wasn't an RR however it is Double Roller and 5 pos plus temp and iso and 17 Jewel however pendant set, hunting case, Roman numerals and I guess with a production date of approx 1910 its not surprising its not RR but still a damn fine and accurate time piece!

My S# is 937077, also listed in the pocketwatchdatabase as Series 4. Odd, I thought! A hunter cased model and an open faced model with the same grade number! I have long found it difficult to sort out the differences between the Keystone Howard series 4, series 7, and series 9 movements.

TexOmega · Aug 25, 2023

Reprise on this Special One

Calculate $250 in 1927 in todays dollars.

noelekal · Aug 25, 2023

Great photography of a really nice pocket watch TexOmega!

I love to peruse the old ads and price lists too.

TexOmega · Aug 25, 2023

Seiji
Very nice watch!

indeed

Hamilton called it “Masterpiece” for a reason. Only hand selected parts and hand finished by their top craftsman on Special Order.

Canuck · Aug 25, 2023

I’ve seen Hamilton grade 922 in the past, but never a Masterpiece. E X Q U I S I T E! There, I’ve said it.

ghce · Aug 25, 2023

TexOmega
Reprise on this Special One

Calculate $250 in 1927 in todays dollars.

Need a better photo of the movement to drool over though!

ghce · Aug 25, 2023

Canuck
I’ve seen Hamilton grade 922 in the past, but never a Masterpiece. E X Q U I S I T E! There, I’ve said it.

In today's money for what it is $250.00 was too cheap, with hand made solid gold watches made by master craftsmen what would you pay today?

TexOmega · Aug 25, 2023

ghce
Need a better photo of the movement to drool over though!

Next time it gets a service, I'll have my WM take a few. Or I might stay for a chat and take a few.

That's the only time this one gets opened up. Bow still stiff as new.

It gets lots of eyeballing and a touch of winding 24/7/365

Thanks

TexOmega · Aug 25, 2023

Canuck
I’ve seen Hamilton grade 922 in the past, but never a Masterpiece. E X Q U I S I T E! There, I’ve said it.

Thank you

TexOmega · Aug 25, 2023

ghce
In today's money for what it is $250.00 was too cheap, with hand made solid gold watches made by master craftsmen what would you pay today?

At $1100 in 1998, everybody including me thought it was completely nuts. Seller was happy and sent it overnight USPS from Arkansas at his expense.

ghce · Aug 25, 2023

TexOmega
At $1100 in 1998, everybody including me thought it was completely nuts. Seller was happy and sent it overnight USPS from Arkansas at his expense.

Its a funny thing where we Humans place value, little rhyme or reason.
If we were to place a specially commissioned order for a Hamilton today or an equivalent brand, say Omega with the care and attention and rarity that this Hamilton has you could easily kiss 50 to 80K away and still be getting a bargain.

Thinking back to 1998, $1100.00 given its rarity, quality and name I think I would have been in the que for that one also or at least drooled over in a watchlist.

Canuck · Aug 25, 2023

I’ve never regretted what I spent when I bought something I have really wanted! On the other hand, I have often regretted selling stuff I’ve sold when I see the prices of these items, today. For example, my Rolex Oyster Daytona Cosmograph (mid 80s Big Red model) which now is offered at four times what I sold it for! I see a few “Hamilton Masterpiece” models being offered for sale on line, that are offered for up to about $3,500.00. But I suspect these might be 922 grade models which are NOT Masterpiece examples.

TexOmega · Aug 25, 2023

Canuck
I’ve never regretted what I spent when I bought something I have really wanted! On the other hand, I have often regretted selling stuff I’ve sold when I see the prices of these items, today. For example, my Rolex Oyster Daytona Cosmograph (mid 80s Big Red model) which now is offered at four times what I sold it for! I see a few “Hamilton Masterpiece” models being offered for sale on line, that are offered for up to about $3,500.00. But I suspect these might be 922 grade models which are NOT Masterpiece examples.

Yes. Never one regret.....my eyes were wide open studying/researching this example over several weeks.....it was just languishing at almost double the other few listings showed......BUT, it had ALL of what none of the others could offer....MASTERPIECE.....No Presentation....18kt White Gold........Exquisite Condition.......all located less than 24 hrs away.

US Postal Money order............yeah, it was a different time.

By day three I had had $2000 worth of fun and excitement with it......buddies and family still said I was nuts😁 and still do. ::rimshot::