When looking over these fine pieces of watchworks, I often muse on the "What's and Whyfore's" of the Watch Marketing group(s). Hamilton, after "borrowing" much technology from Hampden and some others, went in "lockstep" with their model numbers as the advances in designs and manufacturing dictated. Elgin seems to have chosen an admixture of names and numbers that were used to satisfy their "grading" system, and memorialize their major investors and exec's. In Elgins's pre-WWI (recessionary times) ads, they heralded the 23 Jewel 3/4 plate "Veritas" as the line leaders of both 16 and 18 size watches . . .

BUT! Ran parallel to the beautiful Veritas works, the "Numbered" 348 and 349 18s 21 Jewel RR Grade FULL PLate watches! I think this was a "Touche" for the Elgin - Waltham "Fratricidal" history of working together to corner the markets! Or in other words with friends like this who needs an enemy?

The big hit Elgin made (no doubt) with these beauties were; They were 21 Jewel, RR Grade, of the highest order of accuracy and quality in a FULL PLATE movement! Most certainly to appeal to the Waltham customers who were STILL waiting for a full plate 18s 1883 MODEL Waltham with more than 17 Jewels, AND confirmed RR grade

The sales response for the finely finished No 348 HC type was somewhere between 1,000 and 3,500 depending on who you read. Also some extremely rare versions were marked "Father Time" from this series. (pic is a 348)

Leaving NO.349 OF version to "carry the load" with over 27,000 put in service. This vintage 1907 example has Burlington type service markings and was put in service about when Burlington was taken over by James J.Hill builder of the Great (White Goat) Northern Railroad.

David,
I really enjoy your educational trips back in time. (no pun intended)

David,

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Bob

You read these pockets like they're books. Keep posting-please!

I agree!

It's fun enjoy the stories and study every detail of the pictures.

Don

David,
what a great topic.

This is what I love about IHC185 we are free to speak and speculate

Great stories, watches and pictures, Dave. Please keep them coming.

You are so very right about our site, we are lucky to have it.

A special thanks to the folks that work so hard to keep it going.