I've been looking for one of these for several years now. They just never seem to be available. Today I got lucky and tripped over this one while checking out some eBay auctions...
Check the October 2005 Railroaders' Corner for the chart on page 625 that lists the run this watch movement 3327622 is from. Then look at the image, lower left on page 630 which shows an identical movement 3327477 from the same run.
Auction image, 16s Special Railway movement...
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
Could you photo the dials on these watches?? I have a 104 and would like to see any difference.. I really like the mainspring barrel jewel..The demaskeening on the 23 Railway appears a better quality than the 104.........
Posts: 638 | Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin USA | Registered: November 22, 2002
Looks to me like Lindell's watch has a polished gold area around the balance jewel ... this would be similar to what is seen on the 21 jewel "John C. Dueber" 16 size grade and I think would be another visual difference from the grade 104.
Congrats Lindell and looking forward to hearing more about it when it comes!
Thanks Fred, this is one I'm really looking forward to receiving...
I'd agree with Mark the 23-Jewel premium movements are quite similar, but as Fred pointed out there are "trade-up" differences. The Special Railway was essentially their top grade as you can see in Jim's 18-size example. Jerry is right about the high quality and superior finish in these movements.
Finally, in response to John's request the following two images. The first shows the dials on a grade 104 number 3451636 and a 21-Jewel New Railway number 3459371 both from my collection. The second image to come will show the movements. By the way, the single-sunk dial you will see on the New Railway (right, below) is identical to that on the Special Railway that began this topic.
Dueber-Hampden dials on the 104 and New Railway...
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
Lindell: My 104, #3327763 has the same damascening pattern as yours, and the same dial. Was that the only dial and pattern used on the 104? Mine is is in a Dueber 10K filled case. What case is on yours?
Jerry Freedman
Posts: 767 | Location: Los Osos, California USA | Registered: December 12, 2002
My first Hampden was the 16s, 23j, SR. It has always been my best and favorite watch and is the main reason I collect Hampdens. I also have an 18s, 21j, SR, an 18s,21j North American Railway and a 16s, 19j Railway. All super watches!
Kenny
Posts: 359 | Location: Lexington, South Carolina USA | Registered: July 28, 2003
Those are awesome watches, you must have caught them as they dropped off the assembly line. I have a family heirloom model No. 125, serial #3587476, 21J, 3 Position. I cannot find a bit of information on it. Anyone know about a #125 grade? 1928?
Posts: 495 | Location: Kailua, Hawaii in the USA | Registered: March 14, 2005
According to "Hampden Watch Co" by Hernick and Arnold, your 21j No. 125 was adjusted to 3 positions and probably made in 1923 or 24. Interestingly, serial 3587094 is listed as a pendant set 125 and 3587460 is a lever set 125. There are no serial numbers listed between those numbers.
On a tangent- years ago I had a so-so 16 size Wm McKinley 17J that was cleaned by a Soo Line watch inspector watchmaker friend. I wound it same time every morning. I checked the time every Sunday at the same time. It's weekly error was about 6 seconds. One of the most accurate pocket watches I've ever owned. These Hampdens are underrated watches.
Posts: 653 | Location: St Paul, Minnesota in the USA | Registered: May 04, 2004
Lin's 104 is a model 5 (3/4 bridge) movement. There is also a Model 1, 2 and 4 (I don't know if there was a Model 3.) According to Ed and Kent's "Railroader's Corner",, these were not Special Railway movements in spite of the SR in the flag.
My Model 2 No 104 is a hunter with a Roman DS dial. I'll try to post a photo tomorrow.
Ron, I would guess it was factory cased. The case is a Dueber. But maybe someone with more expertice can comment. Thanks for nice comments. The back of the case is in good condition as well.
Tom
Posts: 2537 | Location: Mount Angel, Oregon in the U.S.A. | Registered: November 19, 2002
