Some of you may remember this post here:
http://www.watchtalkforums.info/forums/american-watch-forum/63105.htm#post563323
Well I have been waiting for this rare piece to arrive, probably the earliest American wristwatch in my collection, and among the earliest timepieces from American wristwatch history.
Up to a few days ago, I was pretty sure that the earliest men's wristwatches were 1916, but thanks to Stan Anthony Czubernat, we now have evidence of 'adverts' (not actual timepieces) as early as 1913!!
Anyway, here I want to show you my latest and most interesting purchase, its a 1917 Hampden Offset Crown and 12 at 3 o clock. This company was also called the Dueber-Hampden Watch Company
This watch numbers among the earliest of American wristwatches. Serial No: 3,347,688 dating it to 1917.
The case: A very unusual case style by (Dueber Watch Case co, signed only Silverine, which means Nickel), design for a belt strap to slide neatly under the 3 piece case, 3 piece.
Using a ‘Lepine’ movement and ultra rare case, crown and 12 are mounted at 1.30.
The movement: Hampden 3/0 size , USA made in Canton, Ohio, 7 jewel movement.
The Hampden Watch Co, they were a smaller USA watch maker, Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, then Canton, Ohio, and believe it or not, during the depression, the whole factory with parts and unfinished movements was sold to the Soviet Union, yes the USSR. Thus began the Soviet watch industry, which still operates today.
The Watch - 1917 Crown at 1.30
On The Wrist:
Now side by side with my 'red 12' 1918 Offset crown. - Note how the 'Red 12' changes the whole recognition of these timepieces
Finally all three pieces with 'offset' crowns:
Acknowledgements
Stan Anthony Czubernat - Elgin 1918 - crown at 1.30. Early Elgin advert crown and 12 at 3 o clock.
Mark - trenchwatchrestorations - Elgin 1918 - crown at 3.
NAWCC seeks to encourage and stimulate interest in the art and science of timekeeping.
Find out what we’re all about • Calendar of Events • Give a Gift • Join Us!
p: 717.684.8261 • f: 717.684.0878 • Welcome to NAWCC
NAWCC, Inc. • 514 Poplar St. • Columbia PA 17512-2130
http://www.watchtalkforums.info/forums/american-watch-forum/63105.htm#post563323
Well I have been waiting for this rare piece to arrive, probably the earliest American wristwatch in my collection, and among the earliest timepieces from American wristwatch history.
Up to a few days ago, I was pretty sure that the earliest men's wristwatches were 1916, but thanks to Stan Anthony Czubernat, we now have evidence of 'adverts' (not actual timepieces) as early as 1913!!
Anyway, here I want to show you my latest and most interesting purchase, its a 1917 Hampden Offset Crown and 12 at 3 o clock. This company was also called the Dueber-Hampden Watch Company
This watch numbers among the earliest of American wristwatches. Serial No: 3,347,688 dating it to 1917.
The case: A very unusual case style by (Dueber Watch Case co, signed only Silverine, which means Nickel), design for a belt strap to slide neatly under the 3 piece case, 3 piece.
Using a ‘Lepine’ movement and ultra rare case, crown and 12 are mounted at 1.30.
The movement: Hampden 3/0 size , USA made in Canton, Ohio, 7 jewel movement.
The Hampden Watch Co, they were a smaller USA watch maker, Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, then Canton, Ohio, and believe it or not, during the depression, the whole factory with parts and unfinished movements was sold to the Soviet Union, yes the USSR. Thus began the Soviet watch industry, which still operates today.
The Watch - 1917 Crown at 1.30


On The Wrist:


Now side by side with my 'red 12' 1918 Offset crown. - Note how the 'Red 12' changes the whole recognition of these timepieces

Finally all three pieces with 'offset' crowns:

Acknowledgements
Stan Anthony Czubernat - Elgin 1918 - crown at 1.30. Early Elgin advert crown and 12 at 3 o clock.
Mark - trenchwatchrestorations - Elgin 1918 - crown at 3.
NAWCC seeks to encourage and stimulate interest in the art and science of timekeeping.
Find out what we’re all about • Calendar of Events • Give a Gift • Join Us!
p: 717.684.8261 • f: 717.684.0878 • Welcome to NAWCC
NAWCC, Inc. • 514 Poplar St. • Columbia PA 17512-2130