Would someone please be kind enough to explain to me just what is meant by a Getty Movement, and how it may be distinguished from others?

Thanks,
Marty

Martin I can show you what a Getty movement looks like but I don't know how it got it's name. Follow this link to one for sell in the Used for sell section, https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...6095371/m/6163920177 Notice it does not have two wheels it only has one wheel on the movement. The one in this photo is an open face and if the crescent moon shaped lever on the wheel was on the other side between the balance cock and the wheel it would be a hunter.

Harry:

Is this then a Getty movement?

Marty

Martin, That looks like a Getty. The following is my response about 5 years ago to the magnificent Sheila Gilbert whe she asked the same question . . .

Sheila, somehow this reminds me of when I had to explain a "new" algorithm for some "dynamic" nuclear physics to some people who I thought only made Milk Cartons and who were sitting around a table in a 500k sq. ft. windowless bldg. "hidden" near Walled Lake Michigan. (Many years ago)
Here Goes, The "normal" wind mechanism on most "3/4" plate pocket watches has two EXPOSED winding wheels. The small one driven by the ratchet equipped wind stem that engages the larger wheel attached to the spring barrel . .

Mr. Getty very neatly and cleverly designed a vertically stacked and ratcheted smaller wind gear set that was under the plate and hidded except for the shaft it was turning on. That design leaves one EXPOSED winding wheel over the spring barrel. I hope this helps you understand Mr. Getty's unique and very good design . . .

David:

That was great, and appreciated, as it really explained it clearly.

Now, 1 more question, if I may.

What would the increase of value be of a Getty movement over a regular movement, same size, grade, jewels, etc.? Perhaps a percentage?

Marty

There you go Martin. If I could explain it I couldn't have explained it any better than David and now I know Mr. Getty developed it. And yes your photo is an open face Getty model.

As for value we had better let David explain that also. I will be interested in the answer also.

Harry:

Gee........I hope that I get some sort of answer as I may just lay out some good money for a 21 jewel Abe Lincoln w/that Getty movement I showed above.

I checked the book by s/n and much to my surprise it's not RR graded, but it's a nice looking watch in a decent case with a washed out eagle on the back.

Marty

Marty-
Some RRs accepted the "A. Lincoln" grade, including the Santa Fe.

Regards,
Bob

'eveing Bob:

Appreciate that.

Any idea as to the question that I asked above your post concerning value percentage over a comparable non-Getty movement?

Thanks,
Marty

Marty-
I'm not up on values, but my Getty Lincoln and my later Lincoln cost me about the same......

Regards,
Bob

Bob:

Thanks again, as that's all I wanted to know really.

Marty

You question is to wide of scope.

which I'm sure you already know the answer. Production #'s is the first thing that demands higher value,

Demand and supply is the second.

Collect ability how many people are scavenging to get one.

Condition

Ahh, Gene........all sage words, and my thanks. If I get it I'll post it for sure.

Marty

Quite frankly Martin. The 16sz Illinois Getty is not high on my List's of wants. Maybe to steal the dial off of. To put on another Getty. maybe a 179 or a 181. I think I have Getty Abe Lincoln some where in the bank box.

Martin, That s/n 2211877 21 Jewel Getty was made in 1909 and IS A FIVE POSITION ADJUSTED RR GRADE WATCH!

24,470 Getty A Lincoln's were produced in 63 small production releases from 1907-1920 within S/N's 2001001-3687900.

The Getty "A Lincoln" grade is sadly dispatched in value by the Price Guide which has completely failed to distinguish between the Getty, "A. Lincoln" and the later A. Lincoln Models 9-11.

In truth, the Getty series of A. Lincoln movements are ALL RR Grade and are equal or better quality as any of the best Bunn Models of ANY period.

This same Grade was ALSO made in two smaller runs named "Pennsylvania Special" (2395501-2395900) and "Ben Franklin" (2448401-2449000) which are both valued in the $1000.00-$2000.00 range and ARE theSAME QUALITY OF FIT AND FINISH!

Hi Dave:

The info that I got about it not being a RR grade came from some serial number check website, and it surprised me, but not knowing much I just took it for gospel.

That's good information that you sent me, and as we speak I am tring to buy this watch from a very stubborn and not to swift guy.

Should I end up with it I will be sure to post it.

Appreciate your time,
Marty

Getty was smart enough to attach his name to the design, a lesson I taught my students. Its a form of immortality.

A few years back a giant in my profession (George Dantzig) died; his obit appeared on front page of Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Even though he invented something which still consumes over half of all "scientific" computing time... he failed to attach his name to the invention! Few ever knew who he was.

So when you invent or design something of significance, put your name on it.

Martin I like the Getty movements but for some reason they do not seem to command the price of some of the Illinois non Getty movements. I assume that is a matter of scarcity and collector interest but do not really know. I have a watchmaker friend who says the they are more difficult to work on but I doubt that affects values today. I particularly like the look of the half moon click but since I like the looks of Hampden 16s New Railways more than the 21j Bunns of the same period I am obviously lacking in artistic taste!