Ladies and gentlemen, fairly new to ihc185 and soon determined this is where to go for information. I recently purchased a 16s 23j Bridge model E. Howard/Keystone Hunter case PW. Ser#1057424 (1912-1914) PAT'D'08,which is under the balance wheel. On the bridge is E.Howard Watch Co., Boston U.S.A Adjusted. No other markings. Hunter Case is C.W.C.Co. trade mark & on inside of the cuvette is Keystone, EXTRA with sunburst pattern and cluster scallop designs. Case # is 1022295, and design is engine turned. Dial is Arabic numbers and on the outer ring the 5 minute increments are colored blue. Not able to post pics yet, sorry for the above dissertation. My question is 'what is it' It is not a series model, adjusted 3positions? manufactured by Waltham? or is it just a 23 jewel Howard in pretty good condition. Would appreciate any help in determining what it is. Regards
Posts: 535 | Location: Innisfil in Ontario, Canada | Registered: November 04, 2014
Hello Lorne, thank you. There are more similarities with the picture on the right for the balance end and the alignment of the screws and the regulator. This watch is also a stem wind and stem set. i realize there is not a while lot of information for Howard watches and this one seems to be in between most info that I see.
Posts: 535 | Location: Innisfil in Ontario, Canada | Registered: November 04, 2014
"is it just a 23 jewel Howard in pretty good condition"?
For starters Rick, yes! It is made by Keystone-Howard. The blue 5 minute markers on the dial suggest a replacement. I only say that from lack of prior experience seeing that dial on a Howard.
A picture of the marked Cuvette would help confirm the case.
The appearance and condition puts it up there in value.
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
I am a sucker for the jeweled motor barrels and bridge model watches. This one has the best of both worlds.
I'm not so sure the dial isn't original. They are not that common, but the do show up once in awhile. The hands look correct as well. This would be more of a gentleman's version than a serious RR version.
Also would love to see a photo of the back side of the covette. We are are looking for the Howard Watch Company logo to show that this keystone case was made for a factory cased Howard watch. Otherwise, it is a very nice re-case.
Posts: 2032 | Location: San Diego, California in the USA | Registered: August 30, 2012
Well thank you David. I was fortunate to walk into an antique shop when a consignment of about 8 pocket watches came in and was the first to see them. I immediately gravitated to a Ball-Waltham 17 jewel Official Standard and would not let go of it. Then the Howard. had to get them both. Am afraid to go back and check out the other 6 watches. I certainly appreciate the courtesy and kind words regarding the watch. Will let you know if I go back to see the watches and clean out my fun account. Rick
Posts: 535 | Location: Innisfil in Ontario, Canada | Registered: November 04, 2014
Rick, it has been my experience that Canadian owned watches are in far better condition than those from the "States". Judging from the two you got, if it were me, and I had the bucks, I would be back there looking at the other 4 and maybe figuring a way to make a "bulk" buy of they were anywhere near what the first two showed.
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
I did check out the remainder of consignment watches but there was not another that I simply could not pass up. There was one interesting private label I assume and it read - F.A. Robbins, Pittsfield Mass. an Agassiz according to the consignor. 17 jewel and in pretty good condition. A note with the watch said "click on fusee slips". That did it for me not knowing to much about fusee all I could think about was repair cost.
Posts: 535 | Location: Innisfil in Ontario, Canada | Registered: November 04, 2014