Internet Horology Club 185
An Early Columbus Watch Question

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/364101939/m/877107443

October 01, 2010, 00:17
John A. Grennan III
An Early Columbus Watch Question
Is this for real? I have never seen or even heard of a Columbus serial number this low. #859


October 01, 2010, 00:18
John A. Grennan III
movement


October 01, 2010, 00:49
David Abbe
That is the very first (swiss imported by Mr. Dietrich Gruen) watch offered by Columbus in the 1870's. It is about an 18s.

To say that it is quite rare is an understatement.
October 01, 2010, 01:37
Tom Brunton
had one 35 years ago,not educated enough to keep it LOL Frown Roll Eyes
October 01, 2010, 04:51
Lindell V. Riddle

That's quite a find John Cool as David explained it is one of the earliest Columbus watches part of the "Under 20,000 movements" of Swiss parts origins. The cream-colored "American Pocket Watches Encyclopedia, Volume 1" from Ehrhardt devotes pages 162-170 to comprehensive Columbus information including company history and date charing, check pages 162 and 163 for coverage of the early 1874-1883 watches assembled in Columbus, Ohio using mostly Swiss components. This is still done by watch companies and not unlike some foreign car companies do here today, major components are brought in from off-shore and final assembly performed here.

There is additional information including a production date chart on pages 105-110 of the Ehrhardt "American Pocket Watch Book 2, known as the red, white and blue book.

If there is interest we could probably scan the pages I referred to above and place it in a section along with our South-Bend Catalogs as Columbus represents the early years of what became the South-Bend Watch Company. At that point we could then move most Columbus watch discussions there as well.

So let us know in this topic if that would be of interest. If you want this to happen we will need your encouragement and support to proceed with the project.

Lindell

Wink
October 01, 2010, 07:17
Eric Unselt
I'd definitely be interested, Lindell. I've got several Columbi, and I'm still not sure what grade they are.
October 02, 2010, 03:27
John A. Grennan III
You bet sign me up. No better place than right here.
jg
October 14, 2010, 19:14
Ernie Loga
John: Nice watch! Great find.

Lin: Count me too.
October 18, 2010, 15:53
Adonya Ourshalimian
I'm interested as well Lin! Although, I wouldn't want to cause any extra work...only if someone has the free time.

Thank you!
October 19, 2010, 11:02
Jerry King
Great idea Lin, and it would be great to have everything located in one place near each other....

Thanks,

Jerry