A. Stowell & Co., Boston, Ma.

October 09, 2008, 14:03

Lindell V. Riddle

Hello Mike, Welcome Aboard!

Is the same name on the movement as well as the dial?

These are known as "private-label watches" and a few of them have turned out to be literally "one-of-a-kind" as the dial would in some instances be signed with the jewelers name as a way for the salesman for the watch company to get an audience with the proprietor. Most of the private labels were done in multiples of ten or more at a time and used to market a local brand in the community. Larger retailers like Sears, Roebuck used private labels as did and still do a number of jewelry retailers both large and small.

Further reading: Find-Or-Search for "Private Label Watches" on our IHC Discussion Site

Often there is little in the way of specific information about the individual jewelers, beyond the various Internet Searches but in the situation of older watches, libraries, universities and historical societies can be a tremendous source of information. Some watch collectors look for all they can get including pictures of the store or person whose name is on their watches. In the case of your particular watch, it was clearly made for the retail trade and there should be information available.

As a first step a clear picture of the movement and its characteristics should help narrow it down. If you can respond with images and as many specifics as possible we will do all we can to assist you. Here is an instruction on posting images in this topic...

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/7356029761

Best of luck in your quest!

Lindell

October 09, 2008, 20:44

Tom Brown

Mike
I also would like to welcome you & look forward to seeing some photos of your watch.

I think I found some info on your jeweler. Below is a business card for him.

Tom

October 09, 2008, 22:41

Steve Middlesworth

Tom,

What in the world are you doing with this bussiness card? That is bizarre. Who would think that someone would have something like that. I am sure there is a story behind it that hopefully you would share

.

Steve

October 09, 2008, 23:21

Tom Brown

Hi Steve

Wish I had his card, do have a few, but not that one. I found it on the web, just posted it to encourage Mike to post some photos of his watch.

Tom

October 10, 2008, 01:11

Bill Kapp

Hi guys and gals,

Its amazing what you can find on these old jewelers. Not only old pics of their stores and obits, but other products that they sold.

the attatched pic is of a silver spoon sold by a Ball private label jeweler.

Happy hunting,

May 14, 2009, 15:13

Mike Carroll

Stowell Pocket watch

May 14, 2009, 15:20

Mike Carroll

This is picture of the inside of my Stowell pocket watch.

Mike Carroll

May 14, 2009, 15:24

Mike Carroll

This is the exterior of my Stowell Pocket watch.

May 14, 2009, 15:25

Mike Carroll

I am not sure why only half of the photo's showed up. Any help would be appreciated.

Mike Carroll
capeirishman@aol.com

May 14, 2009, 15:36

Dr. Debbie Irvine

Mike,

Sometime what happens if the image is too large, then the image appears as you see.

I tried to see what size you had for your image and it stated that the file was "corrupted" so I was not able to downsize it.

If you wish to send me an eMail with the image you would like posted I can resize it and put it into you post if you wish. Here is my eMail address:

ihc185members@roadrunner.com

Also, please check out this link about posting images on site:

HELP IN POSTING IMAGES FOR HOSTING ON OUR DISCUSSION SITE

Regards,

Debbie

May 15, 2009, 08:14

Gerald Zimmermann

Mike

Welcome too !

A very nice watch!

As Lindell said a private label made for A.Stowell & Co.
I see a very faint 'swiss' marking. It is a swiss movement for sure and a very good one!
At least it is a 'Patek-Philippe-like'(maybe patek or the manufactury they got their 'raws')
Are the dial screws beside the feet or through the feet ?. Can you say more on the watch case ?

Warning !! I see a case screw missing. This is very dangerous when you open the front and may cause a dial crack when you reclose the front. Get it fixed first.

Regards,
Gerald

May 25, 2009, 14:34

Mike Carroll

I am looking for a reliable and honest appraiser to appraise my Stowell pocket watch. I am located on Cape Cod in Mass. and would prefer someone local. Anyone know of someone on Cape Cod that can handle this?

Mike Carroll

May 25, 2009, 15:47

Bill Kapp

Mike,

Assuming you don't have a 14-18K case, these watches don't bring all that much.

You will get different values for auction,insurance or retail.

I would guess the range to be between 2-500 dollars.

May 25, 2009, 19:21

David Abbe

Mike, I would recommend Mr. James Peghini who owns the Clock and Watch Shop, 2202 Commonwealth Ave. in Auburndale. His number is (617) 965 8913.

About 25-30 years ago, Jim was VP Mfg. for ADE Corp in Newton, MA, a company I started with my brother in the mid-1960's. Jim is a life-long Horologist and very knowledgable and honest about these things.

Tell Jim that you were recommended by me. The nice thing is that while he is "in town", his hours allow you to go up there during the few hours that the highways subside from their usual "destruction derby".

I notice that your watch looks like a highly Jeweled high end USA contract piece. While the case material is a determinant in its value, it is nontheless very worthy of evaluation.

Please get a case screw for it.