I'm really getting hooked on these Columbi, and this is my 3rd ...

... but my first 2-tone.

Again my mystical Amish watchmaker took what had been a worn, dented, monogrammed caseback and transformed it into a work of art by turning it into a display case.

I truly enjoy carrying these converted cases. I could stare at these for hours at a time (especially at work ).

That is a real beauty!

Great pictures of a nice looking watch.
I especially like that oval balance cock.

Excellent watch. setting and photography!

Really nice Eric! Your Columbus collection and photos are "Lindell-quality".

Do you know much about this watch company? How long were they in business? How many watches did they make? Etc...

John III

John, my info comes from p166 of the Shugart guide and Greg Frauenhoff's short history of the company:

Dietrich Gruen founds the company in 1874 (the Wiki article says 1876), is granted a patent for an improved safety pinion, and apparently pioneers the 16s watch. The company starts making their own movements around 1882-3, goes into receivership in 1894, re-emerges as the New Columbus Watch Co in '95, and is sold to the Studebakers as the genesis of the South Bend Watch Co in 1903.

Evidently, fewer than 400,000 watches were made in all grades by both comanies. And I've got 3 of 'em .

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