June 14, 2010, 18:46
Buster BeckEmpire Watch Co. & Harp/Lyre Symbol 18sz P.Watch?
I do have this ole watch....
It IS an 18sz mvmt and housed in a Dueber silver case and an unmarked DSD of porcelain.
I recently acquired this watch that I am stumpted as to the who/why/where
Simply marked Empire Watch Co. No. 26413 "Duke" and that HARP/LYRE symbol
It is a stemwind/lever-set watch with what appears to be a higher grade mvmt. It has a gold foot on the bridge and that jewel setting is capped.The barrel cover [ratchet wheel] has the two holed access to let down the spring that you generally see on higher graded watches
I would call your attention to the nickel damaskeened plates and the UNIQUE SYMBOL of a HARP/LYRE that is stamped
I am in need of knowing all there is to know about this watch mvmt as I know nothing at all and have come to a dead end. Please expound your knowledge. All observations will be appreciated very much. Thanks for your needed help
To follow- 4 pictures;
regards,
bb
June 18, 2010, 21:13
Samie L. SmithBuster nice looking watch wish i could help in who the maker was.
June 18, 2010, 22:04
Mary Ann ScottBuster - I found reference to an Empire State Watch Co. that was affiliated or a part of the Marion/U.S. Watch Co. But nothing with just Empire Watch Co. I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I should run across something.
June 18, 2010, 22:07
Tom BrownBuster
I will see if I can find more. This article mentions a Empire Watch Co., the article is from a magazine titled "FAME" A Journal for Advertisers Sept 1897.
I agree nice looking watch!
Tom
June 18, 2010, 22:19
Tom BrownThis is from the Bristol Times & Mirror 04/17/1897 Gloucestershire UK
June 19, 2010, 09:16
Buster BeckThanks for all the appreciated help
The watch does appear to be a well made timepiece and the little screw on the regulator pointer was throwing me a curveball
Thanks to Samie's advise, it turned out to be just a set screw that you loosen and move the pointer and then retighten to keep it in that position.
I thank you Tom as I do believe it fits all the nomenclature for the London company that you posted. Its in a very hefty 4 oz. Dueber coin silver case that appears to be all original. After centering the regulator the watch seems to keep excellent time and the balance has a full swing and a nice strong heartbeat. I sure wish there was a picture of one of these for the London company known as "Empire Watch Co." to compare the movement to
regards,
bb