Internet Horology Club 185
Hampden Watch?

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/7853983587

May 19, 2015, 23:03
Tim Poovey
Hampden Watch?
Hampden Watch?

Hello Gentlemen,

A friend of mine has a watch that he said was his Great Grandfather's and he would like to find some information about this watch. I tried running the number in a data base but was unsuccessful. I have no pictures of the watch nor in hand at this time but the serial number is 3587402. Any help would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,
Tim
May 19, 2015, 23:11
Peter Kaszubski
quote:
3587402

Im getting Hampden size 16 21 jewels model 5 grade 125
made in 1923 only 500 ever made
pendent set adjust to 3 positions
May 19, 2015, 23:11
Jon Hart
Tim,

Looks like a 16sz 21j Grade 125 estimated production of only 500 units

Open Face, Bridge, Model 5

Made roughly 1923

ADJ 3 positions

Hope that helps
May 20, 2015, 10:58
Tim Poovey
Thanks guys,

Dial in pretty sad shape. Would it be hard to find one here, and estimate watch value low/high.

Thanks again,
Tim
May 20, 2015, 11:02
Paul D. Trombley
200/250/325
May 20, 2015, 11:16
Tim Poovey
Your the MAN Paul Wink
May 20, 2015, 11:20
Peter Kaszubski
I would not sale for less them $350 as it was only 500 made.
May 20, 2015, 11:31
Tim Poovey
Good point three finger Pete Big Grin
May 21, 2015, 19:05
Richard M. Jones
With no picture it is not certain, but I agree it is most likely a Hampden 125 and fairly rare today. I have one but they just do not show up very often. If it is a 125 the 350 is fair. Just imagine if it were a Hamilton of that period and they made 500. Price 1500?


Deacon
May 21, 2015, 20:11
Tim Poovey
Hi Deacon and welcome back Buddy, May God continue to bless you.

I was hoping you would chime in and give your take on this! When I ask the question about the dial it dawned on me that it would be hard to answer without a picture. As the restoration continues, a picture of the dial might be in the works. It is stamped on the movement 125. It is really funny that our minds are working the same because I just said the other day to my wife that if it was a Hamilton with only 500 made that it would be in the $1500.00 or more price range.

I'm not a Hampden collector, but to them it would be a great find.

Thanks to all who have helped.

Best Regards,
Tim
May 30, 2015, 19:43
Claude Griffith
Finally completed my move to Michigan but before I moved I picked up a John C Deuber 21j 16s model 4 that you do not see often. You see Hampdens go cheap when they shouldn't.
June 01, 2015, 21:16
Richard M. Jones
Tim if you can show a picture of the dial I may have one if you need one. Claude they go cheap because the collectors do not value them. We both know that is a load of "bunk" but many who badmouth Hampdens have never owned one and never examined one and they are my best friends! They have left me a reasonable price on a fine American made watch in many cases. I congratulate you on the John C. Dueber. It is a hard watch to locate and I also have one. I will have it with me when they bury me and yours will go way up in value!


Deacon
June 01, 2015, 22:16
Tim Poovey
Deacon,

The watchmaker that restored the watch just so happen to have a dial that was close to the one that was on the watch. It only had a couple very minor hairlines in it. We had to put the movement in a replacement case which he had also. I wish a hundred times that I would have taken pictures of the before and after, because the watch turned out to be a very nice watch. I was just trying to get the watch back to him as quickly as possible. The owner was so happy he tried to pay me extra,
he was tickled to death with the outcome.

It is kind of sad that the Hampden and the Waltham are in the same situation and do not have the respect they deserve.

Hope you continue to get well, and I appreciate the generous offer on the dial.

Best Regards,
Tim
June 02, 2015, 00:00
David Abbe
What an incredible post . . . all this with no pictures!
June 05, 2015, 21:44
Claude Griffith
Dave I am still trying to find my camera, LOL