Internet Horology Club 185
What is UNMISTAKEABLE with this Keystone?
March 01, 2013, 18:45
David AbbeWhat is UNMISTAKEABLE with this Keystone?
I just had the great pleasure to restore a Keystone Dustproof which has one feature I can honestly say I have only seen once before. It is the unmistakeable feature that totally assures the originality of this watch! What do YOU think that is?
March 01, 2013, 18:53
Steven FordI think it's the cover over the balance.
Nice job, Dave!!
Steve
March 01, 2013, 18:53
Jack MarshI'll guess the cool Hands.
March 01, 2013, 19:02
Steven FordI'll bet it is the hands,they look like the Keystone trademark.
I do like the window though.
Steve
March 01, 2013, 19:39
Jared BrinkerNo extra case screw marks is my guess. question for you Dave, are the upper frame jewels pressed in settings? don't let the screws fool you, I had one from around the same time and the screws for the jewels had no purpose and were only for looks. Not sure why it was so important to give the illusion on some of the later ones....
Jared
March 01, 2013, 20:15
David AbbeJack, the HANDs it is! There are VERY FEW of these Keystone Hands that survive today. They are about the most delicate things I have seen.
Jared, this IS a 15 jewel movement with press jewels on the dial plate. It runs beautifully with a white steel Main Spring.
These movement designs "Smack of" Lancaster Watch Co., although the "Dust Cover" and regulator were later "improvements".
March 01, 2013, 20:16
Tim PooveyI agree with Jared,the screws for the jewels are for looks,no purpose.That is my two cents.
March 01, 2013, 20:28
David AbbeI must point out that pressed in brass and Gold jewels were the "Norm" for ALL US-Made watches. The appearance that the Jewels were held in by the screws were just that. The difference being that many of the "big guys" spot-countersunk the screw holes to overlap the Jeweling . . . The effect was to create something kind of like Chrome trim on a 58 Buick Road Monster!
March 01, 2013, 20:29
Tim PooveySorry David,didn't see your reply.THANKS
March 01, 2013, 21:42
Roger StephensDavid,just a question is the movt.gilded? I have one of these s/n 417761 that is not gilded but is damaskeened.Oh,not the same hands either.Mine are spade.
March 01, 2013, 22:04
Buster BeckHere's a nickle plated movement #351307. It has Keystone hands and the original "Standard" YGF case.
Work a trade on the Buick Roadmaster ??
regards,
bb
March 02, 2013, 06:57
Jack MarshThanks David
I wasn't sure, but the beautiful hands caught my
eye right away. Like the chrome on the Buick
they really stand out. I've never seen them before. The hands can really make or break the look. Jack
March 02, 2013, 10:11
Brian C.Buster, I'll trade you Dave's Buick for your Keystone.

March 02, 2013, 12:20
Vincent Pullara, Jr.Hey Buster,
That's not a Roadmaster, it's a Limited, the top of the line for Buick in '58.
In my youth I had one of those gas guzzlers.
Vince
March 02, 2013, 13:15
Buster BeckYeah, thanks Vince ! I was a Ford/Chevy guy when I was a kid so those were like "off-limits"

It's a big ole thing that's for sure and it has a good look to it, I like the soft green color.
Of course gas was 20c a gallon so even us kids could run all weekend on a couple $$'s worth of push-o-line in the gas guzzlers

regards,
bb
March 02, 2013, 18:24
David AbbeMy Father-in-Law had one of these and I always called it his "Roadmonster". It was long enough to land a plane on.
March 03, 2013, 05:25
Philip A. Longquote:
question
David,
The Keystone is an beautiful watch, congratulations on the restoration. The Buick is another testament to your love of older things.
Well done, mate
Phil
March 03, 2013, 19:18
David AbbePhilip Thank You.