These examples cover the basics of most watches.
Even cases with a snap-off back are difficult to remove without damaging the cover. These cases make it more difficult for the average watch owner to open cases and identify the movement. As watch cases became more dust and water-resistant, screw-down backs became the norm and required special tools to open.
#E howard pocket watch database serial
Most wristwatches of the early and mid 20th century can be identified in the same manner as pocket watches (name on the dial and movement, and serial or model numbers). The online database can be found here Wrist Watches Much information can be gleaned for the serial number, including the date of manufacture, and the number of jewels.
#E howard pocket watch database serial number
The serial number will be engraved on the movement, not on the case. Most American made watches have a serial number, and the databases are now available online. Hamilton 17 jewel pocket watch movement.A watch (such as the one pictured above) will have “Ball official standard Cleveland” on the dial but would have a high quality 21-23 jewel movement from a maker such as Waltham or Illinois inside. Ball was not a manufacturer but provided standards for railroad watches. Davis of Northampton in a “Jewelers Circular” dated Jan. As chance would have it, I happened upon a reference to Frank E. Davis.” When we open the back of the watch up, it indicates that it is a Hamilton watch, but the jeweler cased it at the shop and had several dials made with the shop name. The images below show an example of a private label watch with the jeweler’s name “Frank E. In some instances, the name on the dial was not a recognized maker but displayed a private label. Ball Railroad Watch with Illinois movement.Most are accessible by opening a screw off or snap open case back. Most American watches will have the maker’s name on the dial of the watch and the movement. The mid-1800s saw the rise of mass manufacture watches from the United States (Elgin, Hamilton, Waltham, Illinois, South Bend, and others). Most of the cases were easily opened and identified. These watches have their maker proudly displayed on the dial and the movement. Well-known makers manufactured timepieces of quality. The wheels and plates were manufactured by individual shops and sent out to be assembled by jewelers or individuals. Many were cottage industry “generic” watches.
Lever and cylinder escapement pocket watches (non-Fusee) were produced in abundance throughout Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries. Carefully sliding a lever will remove the dust cover gaining access to the movement for identification. These early movements used a mechanism called a chain-driven “fusee.” These typically had two cases, an outer shell and an inter case that swings out, exposing the dust cover. Watches from the 1700s-1800s will usually have the origin and name of the maker engraved on the movement (the movement is the inside workings of the watch).
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