September 06, 2011, 16:32
David AbbeHamilton "Alpina Union Horologere"? Holts Special
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.
September 06, 2011, 16:34
David AbbeNice enuf case and dial . . .
September 06, 2011, 16:36
David AbbeBut 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 ?!?)
September 06, 2011, 16:39
David AbbeSo 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")
September 06, 2011, 18:04
Eugene BuffardThe dial that you put on your watch does not look to bad. Not original but it is useable. Hats off to you.
September 07, 2011, 08:10
Brad RichardsonGreat find David! Regards, Brad
September 07, 2011, 11:11
David AbbeTom 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?September 08, 2011, 13:32
Richard M. JonesDave, 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.
September 09, 2011, 10:48
Jared BrinkerDavid-
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
September 18, 2011, 08:54
John ScottFrank Holt & Co, Newark