I had Chris Abell restore this 23j Chicago Watch Co and was wondering if anyone has any more info on it. I know it was made by New York Standard Watch Co.I have only seen one other and that was one Buster Beck sold in March of 2014 here on IHC185. Does anyone know what the original case and hands should look like? This is a hunter movement in an OF case and has the serial no.3076899. C.A.? Any info or pics will be appreciated.

After:

Before:

After 2

After 3:

23 jewel works (supposedly)

This is the "English Fake" version. It is probably a Swiss-made ebauche finished in England.

The plate that has the "jewels (glass) mounted on it will unscrew and show an under-plate with the actual mechanical hole pattern for the wheel train pivots.

Collectible, but you need not keep in a safe deposit box!

Any idea as to vintage? Still looking for what the HC and hands look like on the original. Anyone have one of these to share a pic?

The Hour and minute hand look right for that period and the second hand is a replacement. This was likely a 1880-1895 production during the time when there was a plurality of "Trainman's Special" watches being imported and blown out on the U.S. watch market.

The hunter case was whatever the buyer/seller agreed on (usually) as the movements were the only thing imported and the cases were US-made and sold as an accessory to that movement.

Donald,

It sure looks a lot better than it used to! If you ever decide that you'd like a new thick beveled glass crystal for it, give me a shout. Just $25.

William

Thanks for the info.