Although I normally collect 12 size watches I recently purchased two scarce 16 size 21j Hampdens for around $200 each on Ebay. No pictures of these watches are shown in the Hampden Watch Co. Book--a tip off that they are scarce.

All of the known grade 125 came from a single block of 500 serial numbers while the grade 120 comes from 2,000 blocked serial numbers.

It continues to amaze me how little interest is shown in Hampdens,even the rare and scarce ones.

HAMPDEN GRADE 125

HAMPDEN GRADE 125 DIAL

HAMPDEN GRADE 120 MOVEMENT

HAMPDEN GRADE 120 DIAL
(SMALL REPAIRS ON SECONDS BIT AT 10 AND 50 SECONDS)

I am an avid Hampden collector, any thoughts about selling one of these?

I just learned that my three generations back Cousin James was a founder-director of Hampden Springfield. So that probably explains why my avid interest of Hampdens is "in my blood".

David
Glad to hear that there are others out there who seem to care about Hampdens.

I only own four 16 size Hampdens but they are all very scarce ( Special Railway 23j,grade 104 Hunter
SR flag,and the two I just listed).

One area that I specialise in is 12 size Hampdens. I do have some duplicates if you are ever interested--I don't normally sell any of my watches.

Bob

I fully understand. The 120 is of particular interest to me, as it "fits" with some of the other pieces I have. I have an "extra" WWII Russian Hampden wristwatch that I could throw in to a "trade" deal. If you are interested let me know. btw, there are no case screws used in this "expendable" type watch assembly. It was for lower ranking officers. (Big Shots had swiss stuff.)

Side View

Dial View. btw the band is "new", but the rest is vintage 16s Hampden same as they started making in the 1930's. My Belarus Watchmaker says this was made at "Moscow Watch Factory #2", which was moved about 11 times during WWII.

Hampden fans, I have a 23j NEW RAILWAY HUNTER that is not listed in Shugarts book. If anyone is interested in details eMail me.ckeithjohnson@earthlink.net

I have a #125 that has been in my family for a very long time. I have not seen it listed anywhere. The poor images are the only ones I have before giving it to my brother. Any insight on the #125 would be great.

Another image.

Ehrhardt-Megger's Hampden Book (the white-bordered corrected edition) has on page 161 as part of the S/N list of all NAWCC members Hamden's reported (at the time of publication), 3 Hampden 16s #125 watch movement s/n's; 3587083, 7094, and 7460.
Robert can add 3587304(?), and Matt can add whatever serial number his 125 is to "close in" on the range of movements made and so marked.

Matthew

The only things I am able to add is that the grade 125 seem to be limited to a production block of 3,587,000 to 3,587,500.My watch is 3,587,104.

The grade 125 is 21 jewels adjusted 3 positions and is sandwiched between runs of 16 size 21j adj 3 position grade 120 and 16 size 17j adj 3 position grade 603.

The Hampden Watch Co Book lists a total of 3 grade 125s with serial numbers.

David
I have not recieved my grade 120 yet and want to hang onto it for awhile. If you are interested in 12 size at all maybe we could do a trade of some 12 size.I am looking for a few scarce 12 size Hampden and Russian made "Hampden" pocketwatches.

Bob

Thanks Robert. The Russian Hampden wristwatch is a 16s movement and is the only "spare I have in my Russian Hampdens.

Keith
I found an 18 size 23j New Railway Hunter in the Hampden Watch Co. Book. Currently two production runs are known and the total size of the two production blocks is approximately 700.

Can you post a picture.
Bob

David
My understanding is that the "corrected edition" of the Hampden Watch Co. was due to printing problems .The entire run was reprinted.

While Meggars and Ehrhardt were involved with contributing and distributing the book ,Hernick and Arnold were the principal authors.

Bob

David,

I had noticed your name, but never considered it realistic that you would be related. James was President and a Director of Hampden. His daughter, Caroline, married Charles Rood, who puchased Hampden, later purchased Aurora, and finally created Hamilton. A very nice connection, indeed.

MIke

Robert, Here are a couple of pictures of my 18sz Hampden New Railway Hunter. Damaskeening is much better than pictures but hard to get right angle and lighting.

Movement

I used a Telemacro zoom on my Sony DCR-SR82 to pick off the 2-tone Herringbone on my OF 23j RR Special This herreingbone goes the limit!

Bob,

If you do not mind, could you tell me the number of adjustments that are marked on the movement..I think some have 3 and some have 5...Mine has the number FIVE.....

John
The serial number of my Hampden is 2140452--in the same run as Larrys movement.It is 21j adj 5 position.Hampden ads show the watch as being RRG.

Clearly in 1904/1905 these hunters were being accepted by the Rail Roads.

Bob

Maybe the simplicity of the design is how the Russians managed to use the tooling to prolong the lifetime of this movement to a record movement design lifetime of over 65 years! They sure did'nt do much except "make the watch". Some their bridges look like they use a "rubbing rock" to polish them off.