I may be getting this watch in for repair. The owner sent me this picture of the movement. I looked in the latest Shugart book but the only 12s "Aristocrat" was a 19J. This is a 21J, S/N 4299056. I'm quite sure it's a 12s but boy have I've been wrong enough already this year!

Any help ID'ing this little jewel will be most appreciated!

John D. Duvall
Vice President, Education

John,
yes, 12 size, grade 274, model 1, pendant set, open face....

this run is from about 1923, some in the serial number block that contains this movement were santa fe watch company products.

production of grade 274 is about 62,000 movements.

it is an adjusted movement, to temp and 3 positions, isochronism.

Terry,

Thank you for the great info. I will pass it on to the owner. Would it be a fair guess to use the 21J Santa Fe Special 12s as a comparison for pricing?

John D. Duvall
Vice President, Education

JohnD,

I have a marked "The Aristocrat" 12-size movement in a marked "Aristocrat Model" case in my collection. I don't know how common or uncommon that might be. You might want to see if there are "Aristocrat" case-markings on the one you're talking about.

On the value, were I appraising it the "Master, 21-Jewel" would be important as the increments from 17 to 19 to 21 would thereby relate. Remember this example is marked 3, not 5 positions. Further, consult the "Illinois Watch Co." differences between 17, 19 and 21 as well as the "A.Lincoln" 12-size listings for guidance on your appraisal.

Finally, on the watch you showed us the "pear-shaped" case would generally add value, depending upon condition, and again whether or not there are "Aristocrat" markings on the case.

Hope this helps,

Lindell

I concur with the assessment above... would not use the sante fe heading... IMHO, it would need to be a sante fe to use the heading...

Thanks Lin and Terry! Since Shugarts didn't have a listing for this watch, I was just looking for a movement that I could compare it to. It's basically for insurance purposes and now I have better feel for the value, thanks to you guys.

John D. Duvall
Vice President, Education