Internet Horology Club 185
Mt. Vernon Watch Co?

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886009961/m/8641000331

May 04, 2005, 03:27
Sam Hansen
Mt. Vernon Watch Co?
Can anyone advise me the maker of this watch? I have been told that it could be a Hamilton or Illinois. Or was there a watch company by this name?

Many thanks!

Watch movement

May 04, 2005, 03:28
Sam Hansen
Here is a photo of the dial.

watch dial

May 04, 2005, 03:29
Sam Hansen
Inside the case back.

case back

May 04, 2005, 03:30
Sam Hansen
The watch is housed in a stainless or nickel case and is a mens rectangular watch

front view

May 04, 2005, 11:13
Lindell V. Riddle

Sam,

Illinois made a lot of private-label watches, I don't think this is one of them.

What I see is a 1930s looking watch with an unusual combination of factors. The austere movement finish and pressed jewels give it a "Swiss-Made" appearance. The F and S for fast and slow rather than A and R for advance and retard conflicts with that. However, my overall impression is a movement made in Switzerland for marketing in the US by an American distributor. Part of that is the over-playing of "U.S.A" on both movement and dial. One of those "doest protest too much" kind of things.

It will be interesting to see if anyone actually recognizes this one!

Lindell

Smile
May 04, 2005, 12:41
Sam Hansen
Hi Lindell,

I could not find a serial number on the movement either. I believe most American made watches had serial numbers. I may have to take the dial off but hoping someone will save me the task.

Sam
May 04, 2005, 13:14
Lindell V. Riddle

Aha! You're right!

That's another thing... the Swiss were often built movements without serial numbers.

Wink
May 06, 2005, 23:13
Julian J. Smith
Hello,

In 1950 the Mt. Vernon Watch Co. was at
15 W.37th St New York NY

'Norwood' was a model of theirs.They also had 'Crestwood','Fleetwood'and 'Mt.Vernon'.

The movement looks ,to me, like some of the old Benrus watches they made in the U.S. before WWII.

Hope this helps.

J Smith
May 13, 2005, 02:47
Sam Hansen
Mr. Smith,

Thank you for your kindness in advising me about this watch. I like this watch and will keep it in my collection.

Thanks again,

Sam