Most pocket watches that you encounter will have
a name of the maker on the face of the watch. In some
instances, the name is not a recognizable maker name
(see Fig. 1). This is an example of a private label watch
with the jeweler's name "Frank E. Davis". When we
open the back of the watch up, it indicates that it is
actually a Hamilton watch (Fig. 2), but the jeweler cased
at the shop, and had a number of dials made with the
shop name. As chance would have it, I happened upon a
reference to Frank E. Davis of Northampton in a
"Jewelers' Circular" dated Jan. 11th, 1899. You can
view the excerpt here.
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A serial number (found on the movement, not on
the case, see Fig. 3) is also a helpful piece of
information, as this can be looked up on any number of
databases online to ascertain the date of manufacture,
and grade of the watch.
As most watches were cased after the movement
left the factory (or if the watch is re-cased at anytime
during it’s lifetime), information on the case is not very
helpful for identification.
If you cannot locate any written information on the
face or the movement, it is often a blank movement
manufactured overseas, and finished out by a jeweler to
whatever specifications were desired. These are called
an “ebauche” movement, and can range from very low to
fine quality.
NAWCC Chapter 190 has a very informative
page on opening watch cases, as well as images at :
http://www.nawcc-ch190.com/watchinfo.html
the case, see Fig. 3) is also a helpful piece of
information, as this can be looked up on any number of
databases online to ascertain the date of manufacture,
and grade of the watch.
As most watches were cased after the movement
left the factory (or if the watch is re-cased at anytime
during it’s lifetime), information on the case is not very
helpful for identification.
If you cannot locate any written information on the
face or the movement, it is often a blank movement
manufactured overseas, and finished out by a jeweler to
whatever specifications were desired. These are called
an “ebauche” movement, and can range from very low to
fine quality.
NAWCC Chapter 190 has a very informative
page on opening watch cases, as well as images at :
http://www.nawcc-ch190.com/watchinfo.html
| Identifying Your Antique Watch |
fig. 1
fig. 2
fig. 3
