I recently spotted an 18s open-face Hampden on the internet, one I've never seen or heard of before.It's a 17J two-tone adjusted with only "Limited" marked on the barrel plate, (also has "Safety Pinion" in the usual place.It has gilt screws and a Teske regulator with a gold index.Dial is a regular Hampden. I think this may be a private label but I have no idea who for.I looked up the SN, (1 mil.), only one close in serial number shows up in the Hampden book.Anyone ever seen one of these or have any info on them? Has to be a scarce watch.
Posts: 1323 | Location: Lebanon, Connecticut USA | Registered: March 28, 2008
Thanks Harry, the one I saw was an open face,it was uncased and had a broken staff.It was priced around 60.00, I almost bought it, but I waited too long and someone beat me to it.You win some, and lose some as they say.I do think they're a rare one.Take care, Ted.
Posts: 1323 | Location: Lebanon, Connecticut USA | Registered: March 28, 2008
Ok guys here it is. It is between cases right now. Can't decide if I want to put it in a Gold Filled Case or a Coin Case. No hurry it is not going anywhere soon...
Posts: 3858 | Location: Georgia in the USA | Registered: September 22, 2011
Wow that's a beauty Harry! That one is marked the same as the open face I saw, but yours has the marked dial, and the regular Hampden regulator, the other one had the Teske gold regulator.I'd bet that those were made for a private label somewhere, but there's no records, so no way to tell.There can't be many around either.Yet another Hampden mystery watch.That would really set off a gold filled hunter case! Thanks for posting it, Ted.
Posts: 1323 | Location: Lebanon, Connecticut USA | Registered: March 28, 2008
Your welcome Ted. This is the only one I have seen. I know there are others like the open face you saw. I had this one serviced as it did not run when I got it. It had a bad staff. It is listed in the Hampden book as Private label but does not say who for. I just checked and it is not listed in the price guide.
Posts: 3858 | Location: Georgia in the USA | Registered: September 22, 2011