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Calling all Pocket Watch Buffs

DaveK
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Canuck Canuck
Then you’ll need a 950E, and a 950B. Then you’ll need a 962 (I recently missed out on one of those), a 964, or a 966. That is, unless you decide to diversify into hunter cased versions of the above! If you aspire to a 950E, prepare to lose a body part!

Well, I hope that Santa isn’t watching too closely this year
 
Bernhard J
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OK, I can also contribute with US watches 😉. This one made for Hyde & Goodridge, New Orleans. The movement and the 18K case are Swiss, though. To be dated around 1835.

3.jpg 8.jpg 12.jpg 15.jpg


Remarkable is the combination of lever escapement on one hand and Breguet style parachute and temperature compensation on the other hand. The latter actually "common" with top notch cylinder escapements only.
 
JimInOz
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Bernhard J Bernhard J
......... and Breguet style parachute ................
Was the parachute actually a shock prevention device, or did it serve another function?
 
Bernhard J
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JimInOz JimInOz
Was the parachute actually a shock prevention device, or did it serve another function?
Indeed an early shock protection device.
 
Aurelius
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DaveK DaveK
I’ve been looking into South Bend watches lately, and am interested in picking up a Size 16 Grade 229. Does anyone have one or observations to share?

Why South Bend? My c1930 railway gate sign has both my hometown of Sarnia, and South Bend on it. Kind of fun to have a South Bend watch
IMG_3979.jpeg


Why the grade 229? It’s their super nice size 16 grade made while the company was doing well, and much more attainable than their other size 16, but very rare, grade 295

more info on the company is at:

https://southbendhorology.com/watches/dials/

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/364101939/m/398107005

https://www.historymuseumsb.org/south-bend-watch-company/
The National Enquirer was right; Thomas Edison lives!
 
Canuck
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Bernhard J Bernhard J
OK, I can also contribute with US watches 😉. This one made for Hyde & Goodridge, New Orleans. The movement and the 18K case are Swiss, though. To be dated around 1835.

3.jpg 8.jpg 12.jpg 15.jpg


Remarkable is the combination of lever escapement on one hand and Breguet style parachute and temperature compensation on the other hand. The latter actually "common" with top notch cylinder escapements only.

The jewelled bearings appear to be either pale aquamarine, spinel, or rock crystal. This early in the 19th century, most watches attributed to American makers, were imports made elsewhere. A fine addition to your collection, @Bernhard J .
 
TexOmega
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Canuck Canuck
Please confirm that yours is a 950, not a 950E or 950B. If it is indeed a 950, that is interesting. Probably the 950 was superseded by the 950E circa 1931. Your case was likely available until about the time Hamilton folded. If it is indeed a 950, then we have 3 950s in the recent posts, mine in the older long neck pendant, and plain finish, and two with the same newer case.


The "no shoulders" Model "A" case was produced 1948-1956

Shoulders on the right

IMG_5205.jpeg
Edited:
 
Waltesefalcon
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Canuck Canuck
Please confirm that yours is a 950, not a 950E or 950B. If it is indeed a 950, that is interesting. Probably the 950 was superseded by the 950E circa 1931. Your case was likely available until about the time Hamilton folded. If it is indeed a 950, then we have 3 950s in the recent posts, mine in the older long neck pendant, and plain finish, and two with the same newer case.
As I stated, it is a 950B, circa 1951. Here is a photo of the movement.
20220824_163105.jpg
 
noelekal
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TexOmega TexOmega
The "no shoulders" Model "A" case was produced 1948-1956

Shoulders on the right

IMG_5205.jpeg
Now I know what these shoulders are that y'all are talking about.
 
TexOmega
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One day a Secret Decoder Ring will show up with a "no return" address.

Put in a few more good years.
noelekal noelekal
Now I know what these shoulders are that y'all are talking about.
 
D
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That’s a fantastic piece you’ve got there! Hamilton 992s are legendary for their accuracy. It’s really cool that it was your dad’s bench chronometer and has that railroad connection. I bet it means a lot to you, not just for the history but because it’s a piece of your dad’s work. I'd love to hear more about how it's held up and any stories you have about it!
 
DaveK
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TexOmega TexOmega
The "no shoulders" Model "A" case was produced 1948-1956

Shoulders on the right

IMG_5205.jpeg
I’m fond of the shouldered design, it looks balanced & sturdy
 
TexOmega
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I would say they are equally sturdy, more a decorative motive, a vestige from the late art-deco era.
 
DaveK
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TexOmega TexOmega
I would say they are equally sturdy, more a decorative motive, a vestige from the late art-deco era.
Agreed, but it looks sturdier
 
TexOmega
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Omega circa 1908-9
17j 2 position adj and pendant set

Roughly a US size 13 at 18 ligne

At least a bit of Damaskeening, but I may be exaggerating just a hair on that point😝

Very nice double sunk porcelain dial and blued hands.

IMG_5239.jpeg IMG_5240.jpeg IMG_5243.jpeg
 
Bernhard J
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It is interesting that watches for the US market in most cases have hour hands, which we Europeans think are "wrong", because too long. But that apparently is to comply with American taste in the target market. That is often seen with the result that we Europeans suspect non-original hands in Swiss watches for the US market, like in case of this Omega. But that is likely not the case..
 
TexOmega
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Can't have your competition win the "That's What They Do In Britain/Europe!!" argument in the Marketplace.

And also the reason the US Watchmakers demanded "place of origin" legislation, and why all RR regulations designated any watch not made in America could never be a RR grade or a RR approved watch, till the 1950's.


And why we still use inches and gallons, and drive on the right side of the road.

Baked into the pie circa 1776-1783.....
 
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