Hello, I'm brand new to the forum and am really impressed with all the great watch images posted here. I'm way out of my depth on this subject and am hoping to get some details about this Howard Series IV, S# 43635. The case has no "brand mark", just three hallmarks and the serial number. Also, from what I've read, the movement has no "adjusted" markings and so is adjusted only to isochronism? I'd appreciate any details you can provide!
Posts: 7 | Location: Colorado in the USA | Registered: February 07, 2014
What a beautiful Howard!Looks like it wasn't ever carried.Doesn't the "N" indicate an adjustment, I know some have a "deer" or "hound" which I think does.I always thought all Howards were adjusted....Ted.
Posts: 1323 | Location: Lebanon, Connecticut USA | Registered: March 28, 2008
Thanks for all the comments. The hallmarks are interesting since there's no maker's mark (that I can recognize) - but there's that lion mark that I thought belonged on sterling silver. The case is a bomber - the watch weighs 180 grams...
Posts: 7 | Location: Colorado in the USA | Registered: February 07, 2014
Fantastic looking watch Todd, the early Howards had normally 3 types of grade in relation to non-adjusted and adjusted for the series VII onwards.
As Ken said the ones that were not adjusted except for isochronism are unmarked or marked with a "hound" above the "N", the "Horse" signifies adjusted to Isochronism, Heat & Cold and the "Deer" to Isochronism, Temperature and Positions.
This does not apply to the earlier models like yours as some of these were totally devoid of adjustment markings or they were marked with "adjusted" scribed along the back-edge of the balance cock.
Up to Series VI models they were all 15 jewel, then series VII in 15-17 Jewel, series VIII in 17 Jewel, series IX in 15-17 Jewel, series X in 15 Jewel and series XI & XII in 17 Jewel only, please be aware that this is only what I have read over the years and others might have more up to date info.
Cheers to All, Bila
Posts: 2265 | Location: Gladstone in Australia | Registered: January 14, 2011
Thinking I wouldn't see an early Howard this showy for a spell, I just now returned from a local antique show where a dealer there had a 14K gold, boxed case, series VII that nearly blinded me in the overhead light, the movement was so clean and bright (Todd's might be like that when held at the right angle). It was ridiculous. I tried to come up with a trade idea, but he deflated my hopes fast when he said he collected Rockford and was after scarcer Rockford movements. I've got just one Rockford watch, and it isn't anything to get excited about; little contribution to the cause.
Anyway, Todd, there were 20,000 series IVs made and some 27,000 series VIIs, but only a small percentage of those that have survived (esp. in their original case) look as good as what you have and what I saw in person today.
kh
Posts: 921 | Location: California in the USA | Registered: March 25, 2013
