Today I have finished cleaning a Hampden pocket watch serial number 2810775 17j safety pinion pocket watch. It seems serial number list have is made somewhere around 1910 to 1912. It is engraved Jan. 1 1910. I have no idea what model it is and I do not know much about Hampden watch co. Any help would be great. Thank you. Tomorrow I hope to have the South Bend Studebaker 229 ready for photos and to show. It is a prize piece in my opinon with a Montgomery face.

Wow Richard, that sure is a beauty.

Ray

Richard,
It appears to be a model 3 Hampden. I can't make out the writing at the bottom. Is that plate all nickel? It sure does glitter. Impressive!
Mike

[Apparently my watch] is a Model 3, plated nickel, 18s 17j made in 1911 with a production run of 1000. Total of 1 run and a grade 111 with only 1 variation in grade.
The writing I think the writing that was in question says "Safety Pinion". You all are very empressive thank you so much for your assistance. I am sorry to bother you.

My grandfather was a watch maker and was brought to the USA by Gruen Watch Co to work at Science Hill. My father also a watch maker turned doctor is in his 80's and we have been going through a mountain of watch maker stuff. I have pocket watches coming out my ears. I am saving the Fussee stuff for last. I have dated some of them using the case hallmarks. I have several from the early 1700's and one from the 1680's. All are in running condition and we are cleaning and trying to sell a few. This Hampden is on Ebay along with a Birmingham Special by Illionis Watch Co. I have a Southbend Studebaker 229 that I hope to have ready for pictures tomorrow. My personal favorite and it is in excellent condition through and through. Must have never been used. Well, that is the story and I am sure you will get tired of me if you are not already. Thank you to everyone for your assistance. It is refreshing to see such a group so willing to give assistance. I hope to return the favor.

Rick

Thank you Richard....

We never tire of looking at great watches and reading such stories as you have given us here with this beautiful Hampden....

Please keep up the great post's and photo's of your watches as you are ready to share them with us....

Regards,

Jerry

Hi Richard,
Can you post the item number for the Birmingham Special?, I cannot locate it on Ebay.
Thank you,
Ray

I had the same problem, when I looked for the Studebaker.

So please post your listing number as some of us would be interested in bidding these.

Hi Richard, That's a sharp looking Hampden!I'm jealous!Those W.J. Johnston versions are really cool.I have a 4th. model 16s ,same lettering and has fish-scale damaskeening.Does yours have a standard Hampden dial?Thanks for showing it!

I had looked for them too, the only one I found was the Illinois, it is the same watch as he posted here. Since this is open to the public I will just post his user name rgzing I couldn't see where the others are posted unless they are under another user name.

Ray, the item number is 290373766209

Tom

Thank you Tom.

Ray

I have an Illinois 12s 21j "Executive" with red engraving and circular fish scale pattern that I can post if anyone wants to see. Nice watch I am looking for a dial to put on it and then get it serviced. I did some checking in the past it appears that for the 12s/21j there were only 300 made with that DMK effect.

Love to see it Claude.

Ray

Ray you should see it in my post above. SN is 4685674 21 jewels adjusted 3 positions. The picture is a bit fussy but it has a circular fishscale type dmk effect with red inlay and gilt screws.

I have given links to three watches I have on ebay as requested.

Birmingham Special:
Birmingham Special

Early Illinois around 1879:
1879 Illinois

South Bend "The Studebaker":
The Studebaker

Lindell:

Thank you so much for the information. I am blown away. It was really helpful.

Rick

More pictures of the Hampden

Hampden picture case

Hampden face with crystal