I was wondering if someone might tell me who the maker of this pocket watch is. It is a 18s stem wind lever set . The dial is marked M W Watch Co. & the movement is Marion Watch Co. Springfield.
I have seen where there was the Marion Watch Company but from what I have found their movements were marked Marion NJ.
Also I thought it odd that the disc next to the regulator that is marked adjusted covers part of the serial number.
Thanks for any help.
Tom
Posts: 5107 | Location: New Mexico in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2007
Tom, The Marion Watch Co. was the result of the reorganization of the United States Watch Co. in 1874. However, it was also the name of a watch produced by the United States Watch Co. I have no idea which one it is, but it is a fine looking watch, and some of them are costly too!
Sheila
Posts: 3094 | Location: La Plata, Maryland U.S.A. | Registered: May 22, 2004
Thanks for the answer, I wasn't sure if this was one of their watches or not since the ones I have seen photos of are marked different. I have seen their butterfly cut out ones that I think are the ones worth some money. I just wasn't sure if they made this one.
Posts: 5107 | Location: New Mexico in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2007
Actually look closely at the movement. This is a Swiss Fake, and the name used is "MarVin" watch, the plate cuts are near the style of the Key Wind Thomas Studley style made by N. Y. Watch of Springfield, but the uniquely Swiss fake watch regulator is a dead giveaway. The fact is that as this is a working watch, it makes a nice "hi-Grade Marvin" Swiss fake, with a touch of Waltham in the Cock Foot cut, ad N.Y. Watch of Springfield in the copy cat plate cuts.
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
You are right about the Marvin, funny how your eyes see something that isn't there, I thought I saw Marion so I did, now it says Marvin & I don't know how I saw Marion. Oh well glad I didn't pay much for it & now I know what it is.
Posts: 5107 | Location: New Mexico in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2007
Considering the good condition of this watch, and the fact it is running, I would not despair it's ownership. It represents the poorly informed failure of Swiss watchmakers to "hit" the U.S. Watchmaker's market of high grade "made in USA" machine produced watches. To that end, take care of it as a piece of horological history which does have reasonable collectible value.
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
You're great Sheila, your always enthusiastic posts are a truly joy to read.
This one with a little bit of several makers thrown together helped slip it past buyers a hundred years ago and it still works! I agree with Tom, you can actually sit and look at the name and convince yourself it is right but then as David sorted it out and explained the specifics... it finally hits you! WOOPS!!!
One of the best 'swiss-fakes' I've seen, it's worth saving.
Just be sure the whole story goes with it.
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
If I ever get rid of it I will sure let the new owner know what it is, it actually runs great & keeps very good time. I have been carrying it for quite a while every day to work & it appears to keep perfect time.
Tom
Posts: 5107 | Location: New Mexico in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2007