Colleague's Heirloom 1910 E. Howard 14k 21J Series 8 w/ interesting dedication

I'm sure you are familiar with the friends you never knew you had handing you a watch and asking if you can tell them anything about it. I'm having great fun with this one and would love to hear anything you might be able to point out that I've missed.

As best I can figure it is a 1910 Series 8 21J, BRG, Adj.5P, OF in a 14K case. Looks like the book has a typo for 23J where this one should be listed.

S/N: 1070862

This watch is "wound tight". The jewels are so clear I can see the leafs of the pinions below the jewels. The balance seems to be fine and will toggle the pallet fork, but the gear train will not advance. Looks like an evaluation by Dave will be in order.

It has the Maltese Cross over wind protection.

case marks

Very interesting dedication: Testimonial; to; William J. Hartman; President; The Ben Franklin Club; Chicago; 1906-1910

I'd be interested to know if the crest or shield on the back of the case has any significance or if it is purely artistic.

Paul,
I guess I'm in the wrong part of San Diego. The watches friends bring me look like they were used for a fishing weight..

Beautiful, valuable watch! The design on the back seems to be an artistic, mostly symmetrical design, but without further significance. I believe this watch is E. Howard's 1908 Model, Series 8 as you stated. 1910 would seem to fit the year made. 'The Complete Guide' does not seem to have an entry for a Series 8, OF, solid 14k case, but I don't see any book typos. Hands are correct.

Thanks Mike,

Interestingly enough, internet searches don't turn up anything for a Ben Franklin Club.

It seems to be a bit of a stretch to think it could date all the way back to Ben Franklin's Junto club.

Paul,

Check this out: www.calben.org/

Seems to be a printers club.

Steve

Then that watch was gifted to the founder!

The Ben Franklin Club was a group formed for people in the printing business, there were chapters formed across the country. Then there was the National Club that the local chapters reported to.

I found a newspaper article from Jan. 19, 1912 in the Indianapolis Star in Indianapolis. The article was about how there were plans for the organization of s State Printers Cost Congress and a Federation of Ben Franklin Clubs of Indiana.

In the article a I.B. Lacey, president of the local Ben Franklin Club announced that W.J. Hartman of Chicago, president of the Ben Franklin Club of American would deliver the principal address

Thank you to everyone for putting time in to chasing out the history on this watch.

It is rather eerie to have such a tangible, live connection to the past.

I wonder if Mr. Hartman ever crossed paths with my favorite author from the same region.