Over the Labor Day holiday I picked up a couple of interesting Swiss watches that I believe were or may have been made for the American market (hence my posting in this forum). They came from an antique store that gets a lot of its inventory from Wisconsin farm auctions.

The history of the first seems pretty clear--its a Swiss "HWC" marked "Swiss" on the dial and "7 Seven Ruby Jewels" and "Droz" on the movement. From what I've read, it appears that this was an inexpensive watch made to appeal to someone who did not want pay more for an American Watch. The watch was in an old-style Silverode case.

The second watch is more of a mystery. It is marked "Rail Way Time Keeper" in red font over Jules Huguenin in black font. The movement, which has no markings at all, is rusted, seized up and just generally trashed. But the dial itself is immaculate There are some light gray shadings over the VIII, IX and X hour markers, but other than that it's beautiful. I've been unable to discover much of anything about this watch, other than David Abbe's earlier post on what appears to be a rare and more sophisticated Huguenin movement. Anyone have any insights on the watch or the dial? It did not come with a case. Photos below.

Dial Backs.

Movements.

I believe these are what are lovingly called 'swiss fakes'.

Regards! Mark

The "Railway Timekeeper" is a very well-manicured Swiss copy of an early US-made "Full Plate" Key Wind" watch. If it is in restorable condition, and considering the well executed engraving on the plates, I would certainly certify it as a collectible. Value . . . who knows? These were well enough made to last a long time and sadly "demoted" by the less reputable merchants/importers of them..