I have a watch that is a large 18-20 size silver cased fusee labeled as Stephen van Wyck New York on the movement. I will post some pictures as soon as possible but does anyone know who Stephen van Wyck was? Early American watch maker or an importer? Looks like an English watch to me. Pics ASAP. Thanks.

Look forward to the photos!
From a book titled "The Burling Books by Jane Thompson Stahr

Stephen Van Wyck who in 1791 described himself as the Successor to Effingham Embree at 275 Pearl Street, advertised "Has received by the last vessels, and for sale wholesale and retail, a large and elegant assortment of Gold and Silver Watches"

Pearl Street in NY NY was one of the big areas for watch importers businesses, I have a fusee from about 1790 that was sold through a jeweler on Pearl Street.

Tom

He must have been a man of great importance at one time, as there are several things in NYC named after him. One that comes to mind is the Van Wyck Expressway, a major artery out of town, and several streets in different boroughs, and at least 1 park.

And a bridge was name after him as well.

Front

Back

Dial

Crystal

Crystal 2

Movement w/cover

Movement w/cover 2

Movement 1

Movement 2

Movement 4

Movement 5

Movment 6

Movement 7

I moved my earlier post so it wasn't in the middle of your photos.

Nice looking watch, I hope I didn't get into the middle of your photos.

Apparently most of his ancestors and descendants were very well know. If you search google books you will find his family back to some of the 1st settlers of NYNY. My ancestor owned most of Long Island at one time, perhaps they all knew each other.

Deacon, I "Spiffied up" the "Movement 4" pic a little so it shows more of the detail of the Fusee Reel on this masterpiece. As it is trying to run, a very careful disassembly and cleaning has a better that 50% chance of making it right again. A near 200 year old "masterpiece in time" . . . LOOKIT THAT DIAMOND ENDSTONE!

I just pick one my self check it at Eropean pw section.

All cleaned up and it is now ACTUALLY KEEPING TIME (+/- 5 - 10 min/day)!!!! A lucky "dig" in My Key wind minute hand stash found an "exact fit" that matches up to the simplistic layout.

The "HT&Co" marked Case Serial number 8408 matches the Swiss/English Movement # but the "old" "Ruptured Duck" Eagle Proof Mark on the case with the number "18" suggest the case is American Made as Eagles were common on early American Silver cases.

I'm new to IHC185; however, have some information on Van Wyck on a research website www.colonialwatches.com. The case is wonderful and gives evidence to a long history of casemaking in America that goes back to the 18th century.

Thank you Richard and glad to have you in the club!