I purchased this movement on eBay. It is a regular 18s movement that generally resembles many watches, but specifically looks like nothing else I've ever seen. It looks like a swiss movement judging by the center wheel jewel, but is not marked "swiss" and the name "Monitor" has a very American sound to it.

It seems to be a high grade movement, with gold balance screws and fine finish, but pressed jewels and no mocrometric regulator. It is a perfect 18 size hunting model, and I think it will run if I find a nice case for it.
Can anyone tell me what this is?

I think it has one of those "moustache" ezcapements, but I don't see any palete jewels. It is kind of curious.

..... here I was, perusing through my friend Cooksey's book, looking at Columbus watches and reading about the company on page 166-7 of the latest edition, when I spied watches at the bottom of the page that all looked similar to your movement, Steve.

It seems Columbus started out finishing imported Swiss movements. Although I don't see your movement specifically pictured, apparently there were many different movement styles. I think your watch could be one of these Swiss 3/4 plate movements made from 1874-1883. Look at the pictures and see what you think. Is your serial number less than 30,000 - date of the last of the Swiss imports (1883).
I also can see an Agassiz influence on your movement.
I haven't looked, but did you also post this on the European Watches forum?
Best,
Mike

Hi Mike. I haven't posted this on the European forum, but I think you might be right. David Abbe said in another post that he had a Hampden full plate movement that was marked "Monitor," too. The only thing that would puzzle me about this one is that I would think it would also say "Hampden" someplace on the watch. The serial number is 44,006. That is a fairly low number for any company. I stuck it in an old 18s case, and it runs pretty well, though it still needs a minute hand.

Steve G.

I see what you mean about the Columbus watches in the book, but the balance cock is somewhat different. I think it looks more like (don't laugh) the Tiffany movements on p. 550. What do you think?

Steve,
I'm at the very end of my input here on your Monitor. Tiffany is as good a guess as anyones. Everyone seems to agree on the Swiss origin, but beyond that seems unknown. 'Monitor' seems like a great name for a watch - as in monitoring the time. I suppose that name could be a model name or a company name. Have you taken it all down yet? Maybe under a plate or a dial there will be more clues. Keep on it and report back here if you find something new.
Best,
Mike

Thanks, Mike. I was thinking about the Merrimack and the Monitor Civil War ships, but it might mean to monitor the time, too. I'm having my watch repairman service it. I'll see if he can find anything.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve, I am sure it is Swiss. I think the Monitor name does reflect the famous Monitor warship. Interestingly the name Monitor was used thru WW1 for heavily armored turreted ships designed to protect primarily harbors. I have had 2 Hampden made Monitors and I think Dave would agree yours is not Hampden. I have also seen a Swiss fake, a clunker and not like yours, with big jewels named Monitor and I have a feeling it was popular as a name. Interesting watch.

Yes, I agree that;
1. It is NOT a Hampden.
2. It is Swiss (judging from the 2 cam screw dial pins and the Balance cock design)
3. It is quality made and looks like a 17J movement. Maybe an Agassiz.
4. The escape wheel looks "Gruenish, except the lever is not counterpoised, but the wheel teeth are same. . . .

Why three case screws?

Thanks much, guys. I appreciate the help. I was hoping it might be an Assmann, just because the name would be such a conversation starter, but Agassiz would be great, too. Is the book correct in stating that all imports had to be marked "swiss" after 1871? That seems too early for this watch. The fact that this is a perfect 18 size makes me think that it must have been made for the American market.

Steve