One of the more interesting mysteries of the Hampen Watch Co. is their 5th model private labels for 12 size watches.To date only 3 private labels have been discovered. A possible 4th private label is the 7j Model 3 Cantonian .

One of these private labels is the Hampden 12 size unadjusted 17j "O.E. Co.,Special". This private label name is also found on some Illinois Movements.

While the RR experts on the NAWCC board have speculated that these were produced for the Ohio and Erie Railroad I believe they are incorrect.
Rather I believe they were made for a jeweler.

The 12 size Hampden "O.E. Co.,Special" is very rare.Only 3 examples are known.Possibly as few as 50 were produced.Both of my watches were cased in 20 year Dueber screw off back cases.

3,148,723
3,148,734 [Hampden Watch Co Book]
3,148,735

The movements

closer view

The odds of it being this guy are slim but what the heck.

O.E. Tilley was a jeweler in Springfield at the time Hampden was located there.

Tom

Robert,
I have a O.E.Co. Special in my collection. Will dig it out of my safe and post the serial number here.
Tony

Movement number----3148715
Movement and dial marked O.E.Co. Special

Thanks Tony.

At this rate it may end up that only 50 were produced

Bob