I just purchased this 16 size Hampden and never realised that someone fused two finger bridges together and lost the sweep second hand? What should I do.

Below is the movement

Here is the front of the watch

Bob,

I just looked up your serial # and it says "no seconds bit". I think it's supposed to be that way.

Still a nice watch with relatively low production.

Charles
I said it as a joke.

The reason I purchased this watch is that it was at the very end of Hampdens production when quality had slipped to an all time low.As an avid Hampden collector I wanted examples of the good,the bad and the ugly--2 out of 3 isn't bad.

It also appears that this unmarked grade (7 jewel) watch was the last 16 size Hampden made in the US.

While 10,000 to 20,000 may have been produced they don't don't appear that often for sale.

Bob

I had a feeling about that, I know that you really know your stuff on these. That does look like a cost cutting "feature".

I'm also a big fan of Hampdens and I'm looking for a nice clean Springfield example.

As you are all probably aware I am an avid Hampden collector.

During the 1920s all of the watch companies experienced economic problems and lowered their quality to stay in business.

As a collector I have tried to find examples that show the steps these companies took at the bitter end.

In this instance the 16 size Hampden is cruder than any of the 12 size watches Hampden made.

It is often hard to find examples of poorly made watches as they typically were discarded because it would cost more to repair than to buy a new watch.

Bob

That is an interesting example. One never knows what may show up here. I know I wouldn't have known what I was looking at. Thanks for the posting.

That's really fascinating stuff Lindell. I've been eyeing those books for a while & I think it's time to pick them up. I'll be watching for that Hampden Springfield also.