Today I picked up two scarce 12 size Hampdens for about $170 each.

The first was a grade 603. This is one of the few numbered Hampden grades that exist in both 12 and 16 size. Somewhere between 600 and 800 blocked serial numbers exist for this 12 size OF 17j model 5 unadjusted movement.

This is the fourth 603 I have owned. What is interesting about the 603 is that they usually don't come in a Dueber case. Below is the link--the picture is too big to post

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item...=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=002

[The other watch is a 12 size pinset 21j OF John Hancock.These watches are very rare and 500 or less blocked serial numbers were allocated for this variant. With the exception of a 14kt solid gold case pinset ,I find that all of the Dueber Gold filled pinset set cases show some brassing on the edge of the case.

It is believed that Hampden was having patent disputes about their pendant set watches and thus they produced for a short time 12 size watches with lever set or pin set mechanisms .The John Hancocks are under appreciated for both their rarity and quality.

Bob

dial--note minute hand is incorrect

Paper inside case

Nice watches Robert! You certainly have a knack for finding rare watches at bargain prices. Thanks for sharing.

John III

That's for sure John!

I am another enjoys seeing Robert's finds, he is making us aware of watches we might never notice otherwise. Thank you Robert!

Don

Hello Robert,

Will you change that minute hand?

Mort

Mortimer
If I can find a correct minute hand I will replace the current one.

When possible I like to restore my watches to as close to the original as I can. The problem arises on watches that were not factory cased. For example the Hampden 12 size grade 603 was almost never factory cased. Then it is anyones guess what is appropiate.

Bob