Sheila, "this might be right down your alley" . . as I have a 16s Waltham Royal that was Private Labeled Bailey Banks & Biddle, Philadelphia . . .

Its still a little dirty . . .

While opening up the nice running but dirty movement to inspect it for cleaning and service . . .

I couldn't help but wonder at the engraving on the dust cover; "Presented with great appreciation by the Henry Bowers Chemical Mfg Co to Peter V Urbany whose rare presence of mind and quick action, enabled him to save the life of a fellow employee on May 3, 1916"

There must be some record of Mr. Peter V. Urbany and the Henry Bowers Chemical Mfg. Co, (who I think is still in business) and the event of May 3rd 1916. It must have been a doozy for such a nice sterling silver cased watch to be presented to an employee. Maybe he saved the place from burning down too!

Anybody good at finding out what happened? (Sheila?)

David,
I had looked this one up, however I'm sorting through them, to try to find the best possible matches. There are many Peter Urbany's in PA so it may take a while. Using the date and employment information may help with that, but you never know for sure.
I have had no luck with the Company name, but I didn't do a serious search there, and concentrated on the employee's name instead, so if you have any more information on it, let me know.

Sheila

Hi Sheila, Thanks for helping. Google says that Henry Bower (1833-1896) a pharmacist ("chemist") by education formed a Chemical company that ultimately was by 1900 the largest producer of Chromium in the U.S., and was listed in a 1920 directory as being at 29th & Gray's Ferry Rd., Philadelphia, PA.

Given some of the horrifying chemistry of those times (potassium cyanide for openers ) I can easily imagine how an emergency could arise where a "quick thinking employee" could save lives.

David/Sheila,
I think Baily Banks & Biddle is still going.
http://shop.baileybanksandbiddle.com/home/index.jsp

Jim.

Jim
Bailey Banks and Biddle, and Caldwells were the Tiffanys of Philadelphia.

They catered to the old money of Philadelphia and the Main Line ( suburbs of Phila. along the commuter train route) .

In my opinion Caldwells was a little more upscale but both sold the best that money could buy.

Bob