Here are a few pics of the Springfield "Miller". Does this particular case have a name? This is the first one of this type that I've had.

The face with the crystal raised.

Inside the case back.

Another inside the case.

Inside the back cover.

And again, the most important part, the movement. I'm absolutely tickled to have these, and hope I haven't bombarded you all too bad!

This s/n302398 Springfield" Miller model is the third to last s/n (#98 of 100) of the second to last (#15 of 16) run of a total of 8418 Key Wind and Set Miller models made. This run was completed during the November 1888-January 1889 period.

As a 15 Jewel "flat hairspring" watch in this "Open Face" style three cover Coin Silver case, it MAY have been used for RR time, but most likely as a carry piece.

As suggested by Buster already, it certainly deserves full rrestoration with that case!

Hi Edward, nice watches, great that they stayed in the family. I agree with Buster, have them cleaned and oiled. On a side note, I have a friend since grade school also named Ed Huston, His dad is also Ed.

Gary

Another very nice heirloom.

As noted on your other watch and for the same reasons, it will also need to go in for a COA before it is run.

This one is in a Dueber "Newport" DHB&B [double hinged back & bezel] coin silver case of 4 ozs. troy.

It is the Miller grade of watch made Nov 1888-Jan 1889. The dial is correct for your watch and the movement carries a "+" as it is marked on the movement "Miller" in Old English lettering. There were only 2200 of these in the Model 1 ever to be made exactly like yours in the 15J configuration. It is wound from the back with a key as well as "set" from the front with a key making it a KWKS watch [key wind- key set].

No Illinois collection is complete without at least one each of the early Illinois "founders" watches which were named grades in honor of them. William B. Miller was an local area hardware merchant. He was Illinois' first secretary and later became Illinois company director. The very first "Miller" grade was made in 1872.

regards,
bb

Back again with yet another question. If I wasn't badgering before, I certainly am now! I just noticed that you said it was key set from the front. How? I've never dealt with one of these. I received several keys with the watches, and I found the one to wind it with. Do you set one of the keys over the center of the hands and wind it that way? I really have to look this one over a little bit better! Thanks for the continuing education!

Quick answer....yep.

You use the same key you use to wind the watch which fits the square on the front at the canon pinion (the center of the dial where the hands connect to the watch) and set the hands by turning there with the key. You can see the square where the key fits.
I always turn the hands clockwise, though they say you can go either way, I don't 'tempt fate' myself.

Regards! Mark

Yes..... I see you have an expired membership. You may want to come back aboard and re-join and the cost will only be $12 as you don't have to ante-up from 2009 when your membership expired to present date. We have many open forums where you can learn as much as you want about these old watches, clocks & tools as well as participation in our auctions as a buyer or seller as a member.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...s/a/frm/f/1386019371

Now continuing...

To set the correct time, open the front bezel with the glass in it, and in the center of the hour & minute hands you will see a square post. That post should fit one of your keys to set the correct time. I suggest setting the correct time by going clockwise.

To wind 'er up, open the back cover outer lid and insert a key into the hole in the cuvette cover and wind the watch clockwise. These old KWKS watches usually took 10-15 winds before it couldn't be wound any more. But... wait till you have the watch COA'd before winding it up.

regards,
bb