Cool watch. Nice snag Lin!!!

I'm with you Lindell.

I think the Hampden's are underappreciated.

I have several 18s Special Railways, a couple with fancy dials
but hadn't been able to find a 16s SR.

I do have a nice 16s Railway that I like a whole bunch.

Nice find!

Ron Birchall

Ron and Lin,

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.........

From what I have read, that was about the only difference that could be SEEN between the 104 and the SR.

I have a two tone 17j 18s SR that I love and carry.

Regards! Mark

The 23j 104 has raised jewel settings. That is not seen on some of the movements.

...I have this 18s 23j Hampden Special Railway and it keeps 'accutron time'...

...especially like keeping these tu-tone movements in display cases...

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!

Fred

NICE!!!

Regards! Mark

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

You`ve got a nice one there, Lin!

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!

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?

Movement image. Please forgive me if I am straying from the topic of the wonderful Special Railway.

Mathew

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.

Is yours pendant or lever?

Ron Birchall

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.

Jerry

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 Birchall

Here's the dial on my 17j model 2 No 104 ca 1891:

My Mod No. 125 is pendant set.

I will throw one more into the discussion. This is a 16s 23j, #104

The movement

Railway Primus case

That is a true example of fine art.

Gorgeous Tom

Was that cased at the factory or married at the jewelers?

Ron Birchall

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.