Most of the Keystone watches I've seen have gilt plates, sometimes decorated but more often plain. I'm curious to know how common or uncommon Keystone movements are with damaskeened nickel plates.

Also, has anyone studied Keystone serial numbers? They seem much too high for the short time the company was in operation.

Here's the dial:

Thanks for the dial pic.

Mine looks plastic, that is yellow or yellowed and has the same pic (faded) as the hamilton 940 ad.

Have not seen other Keystones to compare.

mvt.

Charles,

You have what I know as a compostion dial.. I think it was Keystones attempt to eliminate Hairlines and chips.. But yours is in good condition.. They faded worst than Melmain..
The picture I have here is of a Keystone, with a unique hand set not seen that often complete...
Do not know what they were put on , this is a dust proof serial # in the 300,000's .. Notice the tail of the seconds hand is also like the others but not hollowed out..This watch is as close to NOS as I have every seen.. It is gilt 15 jewel with all those patend numbers on the movement.. Your has a Patended dial as well..I think that makes 5 or 6 listed on the watch..

As far as Serial numbers, was Keystone a continuation of the Lancaster numbers..

It's a small wooden box, must have been around 100 years. Inside were some of my dad's old personal things. He had died well over 30 years ago after living to a good 86 years old. Having been born in 1895 he saw lots of change and change again. Inside the box was his military Zippo lighter, couple of tiny medals, his old gold ring, and few pocket watches. One very old Keystone watch with a 5 digit serial number seemed to be his favorite. I'm a newbie to this, trying to learn a little, trying to find some history the watches and his past. I hope I stumbled into the right place ?

James,
Welcome! You'll find this place full of great information and great people. Look around, I'm sure you'll agree. Hopefully you'll find more information on your dad's watches (pics help!).

I highly recommend joining IHC185--for a meager $12 per year you get access to buy/sell and most importantly advice on buying and selling in Avoiding the PITFALLS of On-Line Trading!™.

Evan

Evan, ........thanks so much for the warm welcome. Can't tell you the number of dacades I've looked at the box wondering what history it had hiding inside. I'd be happy to pay the membership fee, not sure how to do it ? Maybe I'll get and email? There is no side.....to joining. You are 100% correct, a photo always helps. I took a snapshot of my dad's old Keystone. It is serial # 20781. Other side, some Roman numerals with sec hand missing. Wound it up a little, and it started ticking away like it was a kid again !!

Cool watch! Just beware, this watch thing is a little addictive, although healthier than most addictions!

Here's a link for instructions on how to join.
Instructions on joining IHC

I'd recommend also picking up the latest price guide as it has alot of great info in it in addition to valuations (which are not always accurate so beware, but they're better than nothing)

IHC membership and price guide

The hands on John's watch are actually "Keystone" logo hands. These are the similar logo on Pennsy RR locomotives which ran through the 'Keystone State' of Pennsylvania. They are indeed handsome.

Another "newbie question".......my dad's old watch would have torn a whole in my pocket in a few weeks. It weighs about 5 ounces !! Is the case gold filled in old Keystone watches ? Thanks....it seems to keep good time !!!

James we need to know what is on the case itself, not the movement. If it says anything about 10-20-25 years it is gold filled. However if it says warranted U S Assay 14k it may be solid gold. Solid gold cases were actually a small minority of the cases produced because of the cost. So on chance alone we can say 90% chance or better it is gold filled, but have it checked by a reputable jeweler.

Richard, thank you for the information. As you has said, on the case itself, there is a strange marking. Strange because I think my dad had the same tattoo on his arm. He was in the US Merchant Marines during WW I, and he said it was just and anchor with a snake coiled around it. It is on three places in the case. Also that word, "dueber", and some numbers?

James, welcome to our "bunch" of clock and watch enthusiasts! You have a very nice and fairly unique Lancaster design watch! The "dustproof".

I have heard that some of the Deuber cases with only a Fouled Anchor stamp are solid Gold.

The watch deserves restoral and a new second hand. We have several people who can do this when you are interested.

I'd like to know if someone has a part number for the mainspring, on these 18s Keystones?

I have a couple of 3/4 plate 18s models in pieces on the bench Brian, they mignt have the same mainspring as the dustproof model as both being 3/4 plate. I haven't a part number but I can give you the dimensions, these are as follows; 2.75mm H, 0.21mm T and 505mm L. I hope this helps.

Best Regards,
Bila

Hi Bila, Yes that will help. I take it the spring has a T end? Thanks, Brian C.

Sorry Brian for got that in the last post, mainspring has the end folded back so it catches the barrel, indentical to a Smiths dollar pocket watch.

Regards,
Bila

Thanks Bila, that sounds like a Tongue End.