Some of you know I collect Hampden railroad watches. Recently a watch was advertized on a well known auction site sometimes called flea---. The watch is a John C Dueber 18 size 21 jewel 5 position railroad watch. Serial number 2527513. It is not the Dueber Watch Co. 18 size watch commonly seen. It has different damasceening and raised gold jewel settings. As it happens I own the 17 jewel version of the same watch, serial number 2527240, with different damasceening. I know the 17 jewel version rarely shows up for sale and the 21 jewel version I have never owned. I cannot recall one being offered for sale either. The 17j version appears to have composition settings, flush with the plate. Does anyone else have a 21jewel 18s John Dueber or any information about them?

Deacon I will have to look through my stash but I do have a Dueber 21j which has a different look than the John H or New Railway.

Claude what is interesting to me is that I looked a long time for the 17j 5p John C Dueber and finally acquired 2. However I have never seen, prior to this one a 21j 5p John C Dueber. I like to have 2 of everything as I have 2 sons interested in them and I tell them they will inherit them if i don't go to the casino.

Hi Deacon, I don't recall ever seeing a John C. Dueber, in 17 or 21 jewel that was marked adjusted 5 positions. I'm also a Hampden fan, especially hunter versions of the RR models.

The Hampden "Blue Book shows a number of the 5P John C Deuber in the 2527xxx range

Gary and Dave thank you for your comments. My 2 17j John C Duebers are both marked adjusted to 5 positions. Made at a time when the 19 and 21 jewel watches were becoming standard and the 16 size was taking over it is hard to see why they were made but they run well. Perhaps Mr. Dueber wanted his name on the best?

Deacon, I also don't have a 21J J.C.D., but I too have been interested in them for years.They are the only 18s Hampden RR with raised gold settings.I have seen pictures of one, and it has a really sharp damaskeen pattern, and gold lettering.I doubt there can be many of them out there, I believe the 16S is more common, but even they don't show up very often.I wonder why Mr. Dueber didn't also have his signature on a 23 jewel 18S? I asked a question about these a couple of years ago, and I remember Larry Buchan said that he has been trying with no luck to get one.Good luck with finding one, if you do could you post pictures of it?I'm no expert, but I think these must be one of ,if not the rarest railroad grade Hampden.Take care, Ted.

Ted I think I can get the pictures by next Sunday. I checked my collection and I do have 2 18s 5 pos. John C Duebers that I believe are about as scarce as the 21j. They never come up for sale. I will try to post pictures of all 3. In the meantime if anyone has a Hampden Ball please let me know!

Thanks Deacon, can't wait to see them!!! Ted.