I just picked up a very nice OF Keystone Howard series 0 (unmarked). It is in a very nice 14k "Howard" signed case, assuming that means Keystone,and is a stem set movement. But, I was wondering about some things and hope for your help:

1) It is s/n# 1086225. Is there any somewhat reliable s/n database to date the watch other than what is available in the "Shugart Bible."
2.)I understand these watches were more expensive than many of their 16 size, 23 jewel counterparts from Hamilton, Waltham, etc. Was this just an attempt to "place" themselves in the market taking advantage of the Howard name or is there some justification in terms of quality, innovation, materials used, etc.
3.)It appears to have "burnished" in jewels rather than jewel settings. Was this an attempt to make it look more European, more handmade, more highly crafted? If so, was this a substantive improvement? Was this a more expensive approach than jewel settings? The jewels themselves appear very large - an increased manufacturing expense along with more labor to install?

Thanks for your information and opinions.

Any Pictures?

not yet. I took it yesterday to my watchmaker for a cleaning/checkup.

Here are some pictures, exuse my photos - the watch is in beautiful condition.

here is the pristine dial. also has what I beleive is the original crystal in excellent condition.

case back

cuvette

case hallmark

Michael
You have a great watch.


I will try to answer some of your questions.

Keystone Howard is probably the only major watch company for which no reliable database currently exists. I think some see the Keystone Howard Company as being second rate compared to the the orginal Howard Company and thus show less interest in it.For some reason it hasn't the allure of Hamilton or Illinois.

There is some dispute whether the best Keystone Howards were of the same quality as other major players best--maybe someone with more technical experience can answer the question.

The umarked 23 lewel 16 size Howards were their early production.They came as both open face and hunter.As to price they were over $150 in 1903 and some have stated that they were priced higher than the competition.

Bob