Saw a "Holt's Special by Alpine Union Horologere" on eBay. I was fool enough to bid it cause I "dint beleav ma eers" when I read that title.

Nice enuf case and dial . . .

But the super-clean Hamilton 4 foot 974P movement sure does not look "Swiss" (the dirt residue around the jewels says mebbe he cleaned it in wifey's ultrasonic ?!?)

So after cleaning out the rubber cemented on clipped foot Swiss dial, I installed a "spare" 4 foot Hamilton Dial restored by International Dial. Looks a little better. Now it is due for a cleaning. (I know the restored is a little less than "Boy Scout Approved" Hamilton art, but it is far better than "Alpina")

The dial that you put on your watch does not look to bad. Not original but it is useable. Hats off to you.

Great find David! Regards, Brad

Tom Browns* efforts have unearthed two "Holt" RR inspectors;
John Holt, Eau Claire, WI c.a. 1914 CStPM&O (Chicago, St Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha RR)
Mark E. Holt, Petersburg, VA c.a. 1965, N&W (Norfolk & Western)

There was an 1898 Atcheson, Topeka & Santa Fe Watch Inspector "F.C. Holt" based in Trinidad, Colorado

As the watch is a 1910 vintage that I guess was a Hamilton Salesman's "get in the door" sample, I woiuld bet on the Eau Claire Holt as the guy who got this originally. The rest of it's history is open to the imagination.

*Tom do you need help to assemble an "on line" RR Watch Inspector's compendium?

Dave, Nice watch and I seem to remember a 16s Holts Special I had that was purchased from an older fellow in Wisconsin so I would bet on Wisconsin as the origin. I like liquid nails better than rubber cement for attaching dials.

David-

I would agree with richard on this one that Wisconsin is the likely location. Somewhere in my parent's house is a holt special hamilton, but not sure where to look as my father and I both recognize the name, but don't remember if we have a complete watch, a dial, or a movement sitting someplace... We are in western iowa, so wisonsin is most likely correct with the main RR lines between Omaha and Chicago coming thru our town. If we happen to run across it and know anything different, we will let you know.

Jared

Frank Holt & Co, Newark