Internet Horology Club 185
A Peerless Watch of my Great Grandfather

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/4393954487

January 26, 2015, 16:27
Joe Natale
A Peerless Watch of my Great Grandfather
Hello!

I have a railroad watch that belonged to my great grandfather (from Pennsylvania) and I am interested in getting it repaired and finding out more information about it and its history. I can post a few more photos if need be.

There are 2 numbers inscribed on the watch:

On the inside cover/case of the back part of the watch the number reads: 920988

Another number is on the inside of the watch itself that reads: 958846

I would sincerely any input about where I could get this watch repaired/restored, if possible.

Thank you very much for your time.

Joseph Natale
Manchester, Connecticut 06040

Watch face

January 26, 2015, 17:05
Dave Turner
Very interesting watch Joe. Show us the movement!
And take a look at this Thread:

Peerless Watch Co

Looks like it might be made by Trenton.


Dave Turner
January 26, 2015, 19:38
Joe Natale
This is the movement. Thanks. - Joe Natale

Watch Movement

January 26, 2015, 20:06
Peter Kaszubski
Hi Joe your watch is most likely made by US Watch Co. of Waltham from 1903 7 jewels.You might want to contact Roger Nolfe he is upstate NY .
January 26, 2015, 21:52
Joe Natale
My great grandfather worked for the railroad in Pennsylvania in the early 20th century. He received this watch during his employment. Here is a photo of the watch cover that has an engraving of a locomotive.

Locomotive engraving on watch

January 26, 2015, 21:58
Joe Natale
One last photo. This is the inside of the cover. There is a stamp here that reads "Philadelphia Watchcase Co." and beneath that "SILVERODE." Thanks. Here there is also a serial number that reads 920988. Thanks.

Inside cover

January 26, 2015, 22:16
Bila Wirriganwalters
Trenton or New York Standard by the looks, at work and have not got access to any catalogs, pretty sure it is not a United States Watch Co of Waltham. Very unlikely that it was actually used in his job in an official capacity, just my two cents worth.
January 27, 2015, 00:00
David Abbe
Just to confirm Bila's post. This is a Trenton/N.Y. Standard 7J watch named "Peerless watch Co., but with no reference as to the actual customer they made them for. The case looks unmarked except for this movement suggesting that it could be original to the movement. The cap jewel on the Balance Cock side appears to be missing which is repairable given that the rest of the watch is equally as serviceable.

The one like this that passed through my collection has a slightly different Balance Cock, and it may be that the one on your watch is actually from a different watch. In any event, it is a 7 Jewel movement, but certainly looks like a RR watch when viewed "in the case".

As a family member's watch it is worth restoring, but only for that reason. The movement plate layout reflects styles made popular in England and used by Seth Thomas in the USA.


January 27, 2015, 10:27
Gary E. Cochran
Here is a picture of a Trention parts movement that I have laying around..I think the plate layout is the same..The balance cocks are different???


January 27, 2015, 11:15
Joe Natale
Here's a close up of the movement. Thanks. - Joe


January 27, 2015, 11:23
Joe Natale
And a close up of the inside of the cover. Thanks.

inside cover close up

January 27, 2015, 11:45
Gary E. Cochran
Joe,
If this is a Trenton Watch which I am thinking it is, according to the serial number it was made between 1898 and 1903...Trenton produced watches until 1908 and it was sold to Ingersoll Watch Co..
January 27, 2015, 12:40
David Abbe
Closer inspection of the balance wheel and Balance Cock in the picture two frames up from this post indicates the balance wheel is uncut, making any adjustments for temperature irrelevant, and also the balance cock which has ONLY a pivot jewel has no sign of the top balance wheel staff pivot in that jewel.

I fear the original balance cock similar to our other pictures was replaced by something else, possibly including the balance wheel from that "something else".
January 27, 2015, 12:44
Peter Kaszubski
the balance got me off track it is Trenton for sure
January 27, 2015, 17:37
Patrick Wallin
RR watches, according to ball must have Arabic dials not Roman numeral.

I would contact Chris Abell here in the club. He is a professional and has reasonable prices. Chris is certified.
www.abellwatchmakers.com.
January 27, 2015, 18:03
Joe Natale
My sincere thanks to everyone for the information provided about his timepiece. It means a lot to me and my dad. - Joe Natale