Seth Thomas Pocket Watch Model 1 & Model 3
Seth Thomas Model 1 and Model 3 are represented in the Ehrhardt American Numbered Drawings as EA 805 and EA 807 respectively and can be identified through the use of the drawings below:
Model 1 Specifications
Model 1 and Model 3 are grouped together because Model 3 was the replacement for and based closely upon the design of Model 1. Model 3 serial numbers start where Model 1 serial numbers end. Model 1 was referred to as “First Series” and Model 3 was referred to as “Second Series”. Model 2 was referred to as “Third Series” and Model 4 as “Forth Series” [*1.d].
The Seth Thomas Clock Company Catalog of Watch models and Grades tells us that Model 1 movements were manufactured with 7 jewels at grade 33, 11 jewels at grade 44 with the plain regulator and grade 55 with the micrometric regulator, or 15 jewels at grade 101, adjusted and with micrometric regulator [*1.n]. I have not seen a Seth Thomas Model 1 with only 7 jewels yet.
The movements with serial numbers from 1 to 1700 and 1801 to 1900 operated at 16,000 beats per minute, slow train. All others operated at 18,000 beats per minute, quick train [* 1.g; *39]. In the 1904 Seth Thomas Watch Material Catalog Note No. 2 contains a misprint related to the serial numbers that were slow train. Serial number “1801” was misprinted as “1180”.
Click this link to open the Model 1 Photo Album in a new tab.
Model 1 Movement Markings
There were four styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 1 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 1 movements started out with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed around the lower 180 degrees of the perimeter of the top plate. The signature presents in a Formal Script font. Above the signature is the capitalized abbreviation for the word “number”, “No.”, also in Formal Scrip font, followed by the serial number expressed in Arabic numerals. Above the movement serial number, the patent information “PAT’D. JAN. 13, 85.” was inscribed using a single line in Serif Caps font. Serial number 791 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 94 - 791.
Some time between serial numbers 791 and 928, the standard movement markings on Model 1 movements changed. Above the movement serial number, the patent information was inscribed as “PATENTED” on one line and “JAN. 13, and Sept.1, 85.” on a second line. Serial number 928 is both the lowest and the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database. You can view the markings on Seth Thomas serial number 928 on the first of page of the Pocket Watch Database Model 1 Image Gallery.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number 928.
Some time between serial numbers 928 and 1257, the standard movement markings on Model 1 movements changed again. The abbreviation for “Number” was removed and the serial number itself stood alone. Serial number 3116 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number range 1257 - 3116.
Some time after serial number 2798 and before the next specimen available for observation on the Pocket Watch Database, serial number 2944, the standard movement markings on Model 1 movements then changed to the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed around the lower 180 degrees of the perimeter. Above the signature the serial number is expressed in Arabic numerals. Above the movement serial number, the patent information “PAT’D. JAN. 13, and Sept.1, 85.” is inscribed on one line. Serial number 10875 is the highest Model 1 serial number available for observation on the Pocket Watch Database. It maintained the same standard format.
Movement Marking Style 4 - Documented serial number range 2944 - 10875.
You can support and assist our Seth Thomas Fan Space Research Project by uploading photographs of your Seth Thomas pocket watches to the Pocket Watch Database. Pocket Watch Database accounts are free of charge, and you will have full access to the photographs and descriptive information that you share, and you will have the ability to edit, change, or delete the information and photographs that you submit as you see fit.
The first approximately eight-hundred Seth Thomas Model 1 pocket watches were made with only 1 casing screw, at the V o’clock position, across from the stem holding the movement in the case; but they also had a small brass pin (shown below) on the outer perimeter of the pillar plate at the VIII o’clock position. This pin inserts into a notch in the watch case (shown below) and helps the casing screw and the winding stem to stabilize the movement in the watch cases of the time that were made to house them.
This early Model 1 combination of casing screw and brass pin feature is only shared with the key wound Seth Thomas Model 4, which has the small brass pin (shown below) on the outer perimeter of the pillar plate at the XI o’clock position. All Model 4 pocket watches also had only one casing screw, at the VI o’clock position, and this pin helped to stabilize the movement in watch cases that were made to house them.
This shared feature between the early Model 1 and key-wound Model 4, and the anomaly found in Model 1 serial number 94 having a small, approximately 16-size winding stem, raises the question if there was some last-minute decision to make Model 1 stem wound instead of key-wound or some other design decision. The pin on Model 1 would clearly be in the wrong place for open-face configuration in a key wound/key set watch cases; so a key wound Model one would have been limited to a reverse hunting orientation with the bow at the IX o’clock position. Toward the service of normalizing these features we should also realize that there must have been other early 18-size movements from other manufacturers with this pin and casing screw feature since there were already abundant watch cases being made to accommodate that design arrangement.
Jewel Counts in Seth Thomas Model 1 Pocket Watches
The four most common Seth Thomas pocket watch jewel counts are 7 jewels, 11 jewels, 15 jewels, and 17 jewels. There are no known examples of Seth Thomas Model 1 pocket watches with 7 jewels or with 17 jewels. Seth Thomas Model 1 mechanisms with 11 jewels and 15 jewels are shown above. The top row shows the “Top Plate”, and the bottom row shows the “Pillar Plate”, which is usually covered by the dial.
7-Jewel Movements in Model 1
There have been no reported examples of a Seth Thomas Model 1 pocket watch movement with 7 Jewels.
11-Jewel Movements in Model 1
The two images below show the 11-jewel movement with its eight visible jewels highlighted.
The image on the left, the Top Plate, shows the balance staff’s top cap stone/jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s top jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the top pallet jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. The jewel reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork that occurs with metal pivot passing through a metal bearing.
The image also shows the top escape wheel jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
The image on the right, the Pillar Plate, shows the balance staff’s bottom cap stone/jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s bottom jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the bottom pallet jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. This reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork.
The image also shows the bottom escape wheel jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
There are three more jewels that are hidden between the plates:
The two pallet jewels are on the wide end of the pallet fork that make contact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel turns due to the release of power from the main spring it makes contact with the two pallet jewels in such a way that it causes the pallet fork to swing from side to side. This also moves the narrow end of the pallet fork from side to side making intermittent contact with the impulse jewel, pushing it from side to side.
The impulse jewel rides beneath the roller table near the bottom of the balance staff. As the tip of the pallet fork moves the impulse jewel from side to side it turns the roller table, hairspring, and balance wheel back and forth providing resistance to the power being released from the mainspring. By regulating the strength of this resistance, we are able to regulate the rate at which the power can be released from the mainspring through the gear train, and ultimately the rate at which the hands of the watch move around the dial.
The two images below are of an impulse jewel and two pallet forks with their pallet jewels visible.
The bottom image shows how the Pallet Fork Jewels engage the Escape Wheel.
15-Jewel Movements in Model 1
The two images below show the 15-jewel movement with its twelve visible jewels highlighted.
The image on the left, the Top Plate, shows the balance staff’s top cap jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s top jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the top pallet jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. The jewel reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork that occurs with metal pivot passing through a metal bearing.
The image shows the top escape wheel jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
It shows the 3rd Wheel top jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in yellow.
The image also shows the 4th Wheel Top Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in green.
The image on the right, the Pillar Plate, shows the Balance Staff’s Bottom Cap Jewel, which is protecting the Balance Staff’s Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the Bottom Pallet Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. This reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork.
The image also shows the Bottom Escape Wheel Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
It shows the 3rd Wheel Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in yellow.
The image also shows the 4th Wheel Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in green.
There are three more jewels that are hidden between the plates:
The two pallet jewels are on the wide end of the pallet fork that make contact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel turns due to the release of power from the main spring it makes contact with the two pallet jewels in such a way that it causes the pallet fork to swing from side to side. This also moves the narrow end of the pallet fork from side to side making intermittent contact with the impulse jewel, pushing it from side to side.
The impulse jewel rides beneath the roller table near the bottom of the balance staff. As the tip of the pallet fork moves the impulse jewel from side to side it turns the roller table, hairspring, and balance wheel back and forth providing resistance to the power being released from the mainspring. By regulating the strength of this resistance, we are able to regulate the rate at which the power can be released from the mainspring through the gear train, and ultimately the rate at which the hands of the watch move around the dial.
17-Jewel Movements in Model 1
There have been no reported examples of a Seth Thomas Model 1 pocket watch movement with 17 Jewels.
Model 3 Specifications
Model 3 movements were manufactured with gilt finish and 7 jewels at grade 33, 11 jewels at grade 55 with the micrometric regulator, 15 jewels at grade 52 with a plain regulator, grades 70 with micrometric regulator non-adjusted, 96 and 101 with micrometric regulator and adjusted. Model 3 movements were manufactured with nickel finish and 15 jewels with a micrometric regulator and non-adjusted at grade 170, and 15 jewels with a micrometric regulator and adjusted at grades 196 and 201. Model 3 movements were manufactured with nickel finish and 17 jewels with a micrometric regulator, Higginbotham hairspring stud, Breguet hairspring and adjusted at Seth Thomas named grade Henry Molineux. Model 3 movements were manufactured with gilt finish and nickel finish, and 17 jewels with a micrometric regulator, flat hairspring and adjusted at grade 79 and 179 respectively. Model 3 movements were manufactured with nickel finish and 20 jewels with a micrometric regulator, Higginbotham hairspring stud, Breguet hairspring and adjusted at Seth Thomas named grade Henry Molineux [*1.n].
Click this link to open the Model 3 Photo Album in a new tab.
Model 3 Movement Markings
There were four styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 3 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 3 movements started out very much the same as the highest serial numbered Model 1 movements had, with the exception of the patent information, which was not marked on the Model 3 movements.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 11040 - 12492.
Somewhere between serial numbers 12492 and 12546 the marking “SAFETY PINION” was added in an upward arc above the serial number. Examples of these movements may be seen in the Model 3 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 12546 - 12824.
Somewhere between serial numbers 12824 and 13014 the “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature was moved from the arc of the circumference of the movement to a partially overlapping concentric arc just above the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature which remained on the arc of the circumference; but was engraved in Serif Caps font instead of Formal Script. At the same time the serial number was reduced in size and moved from the center of the movement to the right-hand end of the cutout below the balance wheel. For some reason several of the private label movements still had the serial number in the older central position and were not marked “SAFETY PINION”.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number range 13014 - 507900.
Somewhere between serial numbers 42094 and 48637 the “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature was bent into an upward arc overlapping and above the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature which remained on the arc of the circumference; but was engraved in an Old English font instead of Serif Caps. Style 4 only appears in a narrow range of numbers within the Style 3 range.
Movement Marking Style 4 - Documented serial number range 48637 - 71872.
You can support and assist our Seth Thomas Fan Space Research Project by uploading photographs of your Seth Thomas pocket watches to the Pocket Watch Database. Pocket Watch Database accounts are free of charge, and you will have full access to the photographs and descriptive information that you share, and you will have the ability to edit, change, or delete the information and photographs that you submit as you see fit.
Selected Jewel Counts in Model 3 Pocket Watches
The four most common Seth Thomas jewel counts, 7 jewels, 11 jewels, 15 jewels, and 17 jewels, are shown above from left to right respectively. The top row shows the “Top Plate” and the bottom row shows the “Pillar Plate”, which is usually covered by the dial.
7-Jewel Movements in Model 3
The top two images below show the 7-jewel movement with its four visible jewels highlighted in red.
The image on the left, the Top Plate, shows the balance staff’s top cap jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s top jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it. A Cap Jewel acts as a barrier between the hole jewel and outside environmental contaminants that could reduce efficiency and effectiveness of a hole jewel. When a Cap Jewel is used the wheel’s pivot rides on the Cap Jewel and is stabilized by passing through the hole jewel.
The image on the right, the Pillar Plate, shows the balance staff’s bottom cap jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s bottom jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it.
There are three more jewels that are hidden between the plates:
The two pallet jewels are on the wide end of the pallet fork that make contact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel turns due to the release of power from the main spring it makes contact with the two pallet jewels in such a way that it causes the pallet fork to swing from side to side. This also moves the narrow end of the pallet fork from side to side making intermittent contact with the impulse jewel, pushing it from side to side.
The impulse jewel rides beneath the roller table near the bottom of the balance staff. As the tip of the pallet fork moves the impulse jewel from side to side it turns the roller table, hairspring, and balance wheel back and forth providing resistance to the power being released from the mainspring. By regulating the strength of this resistance, we are able to regulate the rate at which the power can be released from the mainspring through the gear train, and ultimately the rate at which the hands of the watch move around the dial.
The second two images are of an impulse jewel and two pallet forks with their pallet jewels visible.
The bottom image shows how the Pallet Fork Jewels engage the Escape Wheel.
11-Jewel Movements in Model 3
The two images below show the 11-jewel movement with its eight visible jewels highlighted.
The image on the left, the Top Plate, shows the balance staff’s top cap stone/jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s top jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the top pallet jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. The jewel reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork that occurs with metal pivot passing through a metal bearing.
The image also shows the top escape wheel jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
The image on the right, the Pillar Plate, shows the balance staff’s bottom cap stone/jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s bottom jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the bottom pallet jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. This reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork.
The image also shows the bottom escape wheel jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
There are three more jewels that are hidden between the plates:
The two pallet jewels are on the wide end of the pallet fork that make contact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel turns due to the release of power from the main spring it makes contact with the two pallet jewels in such a way that it causes the pallet fork to swing from side to side. This also moves the narrow end of the pallet fork from side to side making intermittent contact with the impulse jewel, pushing it from side to side.
The impulse jewel rides beneath the roller table near the bottom of the balance staff. As the tip of the pallet fork moves the impulse jewel from side to side it turns the roller table, hairspring, and balance wheel back and forth providing resistance to the power being released from the mainspring. By regulating the strength of this resistance, we are able to regulate the rate at which the power can be released from the mainspring through the gear train, and ultimately the rate at which the hands of the watch move around the dial.
15-Jewel Movements in Model 3
The two images below show the 15-jewel movement with its twelve visible jewels highlighted.
The image on the left, the Top Plate, shows the balance staff’s top cap jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s top jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the top pallet jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. The jewel reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork that occurs with metal pivot passing through a metal bearing.
The image shows the top escape wheel jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
It shows the 3rd Wheel top jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in yellow.
The image also shows the 4th Wheel Top Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in green.
The image on the right, the Pillar Plate, shows the Balance Staff’s Bottom Cap Jewel, which is protecting the Balance Staff’s Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the Bottom Pallet Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. This reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork.
The image also shows the Bottom Escape Wheel Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
It shows the 3rd Wheel Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in yellow.
The image also shows the 4th Wheel Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in green.
There are three more jewels that are hidden between the plates:
The two pallet jewels are on the wide end of the pallet fork that make contact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel turns due to the release of power from the main spring it makes contact with the two pallet jewels in such a way that it causes the pallet fork to swing from side to side. This also moves the narrow end of the pallet fork from side to side making intermittent contact with the impulse jewel, pushing it from side to side.
The impulse jewel rides beneath the roller table near the bottom of the balance staff. As the tip of the pallet fork moves the impulse jewel from side to side it turns the roller table, hairspring, and balance wheel back and forth providing resistance to the power being released from the mainspring. By regulating the strength of this resistance, we are able to regulate the rate at which the power can be released from the mainspring through the gear train, and ultimately the rate at which the hands of the watch move around the dial.
17-Jewel Movements in Model 3
The two images below show the 17-jewel movement with its fourteen visible jewels highlighted.
The image on the left, the Top Plate, shows the balance staff’s top cap jewel, which is protecting the balance staff’s top jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the top pallet jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. The jewel reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork that occurs with metal pivot passing through a metal bearing.
The image shows the top escape wheel jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
It shows the 3rd Wheel top jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in yellow.
The image also shows the 4th Wheel Top Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in green.
It shows the Center Wheel highlighted in orange.
The image on the right, the Pillar Plate, shows the Balance Staff’s Bottom Cap Jewel, which is protecting the Balance Staff’s Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) directly beneath it highlighted in red.
It shows the Bottom Pallet Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in blue. This reduces friction in the movement of the pallet fork.
The image also shows the Bottom Escape Wheel Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in white.
It shows the 3rd Wheel Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in yellow.
The image also shows the 4th Wheel Bottom Jewel (hole jewel) highlighted in green.
It shows the Center Wheel (highlighted in orange) with the cannon pinion removed to reveal that there are no screws and no visible evidence that there is a Bottom Center Wheel Jewel.
There are three more jewels that are hidden between the plates:
The two pallet jewels are on the wide end of the pallet fork that make contact with the escape wheel. As the escape wheel turns due to the release of power from the main spring it makes contact with the two pallet jewels in such a way that it causes the pallet fork to swing from side to side. This also moves the narrow end of the pallet fork from side to side making intermittent contact with the impulse jewel, pushing it from side to side.
The impulse jewel rides beneath the roller table near the bottom of the balance staff. As the tip of the pallet fork moves the impulse jewel from side to side it turns the roller table, hairspring, and balance wheel back and forth providing resistance to the power being released from the mainspring. By regulating the strength of this resistance, we are able to regulate the rate at which the power can be released from the mainspring through the gear train, and ultimately the rate at which the hands of the watch move around the dial.
Top Plate from 1893 18-size Seth Thomas Model 3 Private Label J.E. Jarck Danville, VA.
This top plate is from an 1893 18-size Seth Thomas Model 3 private label “J.E. Jarck” pocket watch manufactured with nickel finish, 15 jewels, a micrometric regulator, and grade 170. It was included with my recent purchase of other Seth Thomas pocket watches.
Turner’s Seventh Annual Directory for the Cities of Danville and North Danville for the years of 1892-1893 report that J.E. Jarck was jeweler at 328 Main Street in Danville, and had a residence at 647 Main Street. I also found records of a J.E. Jarck in 1890 and John E. Jarck in 1888 in the Pittston Pennsylvania City Directory who was a jeweler. It’s possible that Mr. Jarck started out living in Pittston Pennsylvania; then moved south over 800 miles to Danville Virginia for a few years, selling his business to a new jeweler.
An advertisement in the Roanoke Baptist Union, Volume 7, Number 6, 1 June 1894, Page 4 for E.P. Sangston, D.R. explains that E.P. Sangston is the “Successor to J.E. Jarck”.
The 1900 U.S. Census recorded information from a John E. O. Jarck living in Northampton Pennsylvania who was a jeweler. This could very well all be the same J.E. Jarck who contracted Seth Thomas to produce the private label pocket watch.
A map showing the positions of Pittston Pennsylvania, Danville Virginia, and Northampton Pennsylvania illustrates the possible journey of J.E. Jarck in the United States after emigrating from Germany in 1884. After Danville Virginia it looks like Mr. Jarck moved back north to Pennsylvania; but settled in Northampton instead of returning to Pittston.
J.E. Jark DANVILLE, VA.
Seth Thomas Grade 33
7 Jewel - Model 3
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 41533, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 33. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas Roman dial with a ring minute track and no marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 1886 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company Silveroid (nickel) open-face watch case with hinged back and bezel, serial number 3324024.
Seth Thomas Grade 44
11 Jewel - Model 1
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 1 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 11 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and simple/plain regulator. Its serial number is 6305, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 44. This is one of the first few private label pocket watches manufactured by Seth Thomas. The movement is signed “Dan’l Pratt’s Son, Boston”. This is a quick train movement and two patents, Jan. 15, 85 & Sept. 1, 85, are engraved on the movement on one line.
The movement presents with an 18-size unsigned Roman dial with a ring minute track and no marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size H. Muhr Sons Watch Case Company Silveroid (nickel) pocket watch case with screw back and bezel. The case’s serial number is 943879.
Seth Thomas Grade 55
11 Jewel - Model 1
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 1 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 11 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 10396, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 55. This is a quick train movement and two patents, Jan. 15, 85 & Sept. 1, 85, are engraved on the movement on one line. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”. There were 504 Seth Thomas Model 1 pocket watch produced after this one. Model 1 serial numbers started at 1 and concluded at 10900.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #1218 Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size hunting Fahy’s Watch Case Company Oresilver No 1 (nickel) pocket watch case with screw back and bezel. The case’s serial number is 5171622.
Seth Thomas Grade 55
11 Jewel - Model 3
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 11 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 13454, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 55. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is presently cased in an open-face 18-size Star Watch Case Company nickel pocket watch case with screw back and bezel. The case’s serial number is 202055.
Seth Thomas Grade 70
15 Jewel - Model 3
This 1887-1888 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 15 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 12492, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 70. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas Roman dial with a ring minute track and no marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is presently not cased.
Seth Thomas Grade 79
17 Jewel - Model 3 - Adjusted
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 501243, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 79. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company, Silveroid watch case, serial number 3573393.
Seth Thomas Grade 101
15 Jewel - Model 1 - Adjusted
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 1 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 15 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 9332, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 101. This is a quick train movement and two patents, Jan. 15, 85 & Sept. 1, 85, are engraved on the movement on one line. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas Roman dial with a ring minute track and no marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size hunting Keystone Watch Case Company gold-filled pocket watch case with hinged back and bezel, serial number 1458616.
Seth Thomas Grade 101
15 Jewel - Model 3 - Adjusted
This 1887-1888 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 15 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 12139, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 101. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size single-sunk Seth Thomas #1218 Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size Philadelphia Watch Case Company Alaska Silver (nickel) pocket watch case with hinged back and bezel. The case’s serial number is 2399.
Seth Thomas Grade 155
11 Jewel - Model 3
This 1894 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished 3/4 plate, 11 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 87814, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 33. The movement is signed “Bismark.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size single-sunk private label “Bismark” Roman dial with a ring minute track and no marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas #12821 blued spade hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size base metal open-face pocket watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 7625005.
Seth Thomas Grade 170
17 Jewel - Model 3
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished 3/4 plate, 17 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 64895, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 170. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size A.F. Robbins private label Roman dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size. An article in the March 2, 1898 Jewelers Circular describes AF Robbins as a leading Jeweler in Orange Massachusetts, who was opening a second branch of his store.
The movement is presently cased in an 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company Silveroid (nickel) open-face watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 9079345.
Seth Thomas Grade 179
17 Jewel - Model 3 - Adjusted
This 1887-1888 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished 3/4 plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 66499, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 179. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size A.F. Robbins Orange, Mass. private label Roman dial with a ring minute track and no marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas blued open morning glory hands 18-size. An article in the March 2, 1898, Jewelers Circular describes AF Robbins as a leading Jeweler in Orange Massachusetts, who was opening a second branch of his store.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Silveride (nickel) open-face double-hinged watch case, serial number 504.
Seth Thomas Grade 196
15 Jewel - Model 3 - Adjusted
This 1887-1888 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished 3/4 plate, 15 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 66277, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 196. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size single-sunk Seth Thomas #1218 Roman dial with a ring minute track with no marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company open-face swing-out watch case with coin grooving around the bezel, serial number 3276988.
Seth Thomas Grade 201
15 Jewel - Model 3 - Adjusted
This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished 3/4 plate, 15 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 73278, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 201. The private label movement is signed “EARLE PHILADELPHIA, PA.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size EARLE private label Roman dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
“Earle Watch Company” is a private label within Seth Thomas Model 2, Model 3, and Model 14. Some of the Earle Watch Company dials are signed with an EWC cluster monogram. Others are signed EARLE in all capital letters. The Earle Watch Company private label pocket watches were manufactured by Seth Thomas for William G. Earle, a Philadelphia jeweler born in 1850, whose store was first located at 13 N. 9th Street and later at 1030 Market Street, from 1881 until his death in 1915. William G. Earle served as a Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service from 1871-1881, prior to becoming a jeweler.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company open-face Silveroid (nickel) watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 5976933.
Seth Thomas Grade 506
17 Jewel - Model 3 - Adjusted to Temperature and Position
This 1887-1888 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished 3/4 plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted to temperature and position. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 75432, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 506. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”. There is a patent date included in the movement markings (see below) on the back side of the pillar plate; but unlike the Model 2 markings, visible between the balance bridge and the mainspring barrel, this marking is not visible when the movement is in a case.
The movement presents with an 18-size single-sunk Seth Thomas #1218 Roman dial with a ring minute track with no marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas blued open morning glory hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Fahys Watch Case Company 4 oz Coin Silver open-face Monarch watch case, serial number A4633.
*References
1. Bailey, Chris H.; Seth Thomas Watches 1885-1915; 1981; Published by American Clock & Watch Museum, Inc.; Printed by The Bond Press, Inc., Hartford CT 06106; ISBN 0-930476-09-3
1.a 1885 R. & L. Freidlander Jobbers In American Watches Illustrated Price List, 65 & 67 Nassau Street, New York NY
1.b 1890 Illustrated Catalogue of Seth Thomas Clocks No. 495
1.c 1892 Illustrated Catalogue of Seth Thomas Clocks No. 531
1.d 1890 & 1895 Illustrated Catalog of Tools Materials, Finding and Supplies, Lapp & Flershem, 98 State Street, Chicago IL
1.e 1895 Illustrated Catalog of Tools Materials, Finding and Supplies, Lapp & Flershem, 98 State Street, Chicago IL
1.f 1896 Illustrated Catalog of Watches, A. C. Becken, 103 State Street, Chicago IL
1.g 1904 Seth Thomas Watch Material Catalog No. 650
1.h 1904 Seth Thomas Watch Material Illustrated Price List No. 671
1.i 1905 Seth Thomas Watch Movements Illustrated Price List September 15, 1905
1.j 1908 Seth Thomas Watch Movements Illustrated Price List September 1, 1908
1.k 1909 Seth Thomas Watch Movements Illustrated Price List October 1, 1909
1.l 1913 Seth Thomas Watch Movements Illustrated Price List Centennial Edition September 1, 1913
1.m 1914 Seth Thomas Clock Company Supplement No. 705 to Catalog No. 700 Illustrated Price List September 1, 1908
1.n Catalog of Seth Thomas Watch Models and Grades, compiled by Daniel J. Gaenger
1.o Seth Thomas’ Watches: Thirty Years of Manufacture, by Chris H. Bailey
1.p United States Patents granted to Herman A. T. Reinecke and Charles T. Higginbotham for watch features utilized by the Seth Thomas Company
2. Criss, David; Collectors Price Guide to American Pocket Watches 1976 Edition; 1976
3. Criss, David; Collectors Price Guide to American Pocket Watches 4th Edition; 1980
4. Ehrhardt, Roy; Trade Marks, Watch Cases, Pocket Watches, Precious Stones, Diamonds; 1976; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784
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8. Ehrhardt, Roy; Pocket Watch 1978 Price Indicator Identification and Price Guide; 1978; Printed by Heart of America Press, P.O. Box 9808, Kansas City, MO 64134
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10. Ehrhardt, Roy; Pocket Watch 1980 Price Indicator Identification and Price Guide; 1976; Printed by Heart of America Press, P.O. Box 9808, Kansas City, MO 64134
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15. Ehrhardt, Roy and Meggers, William “Bill”; American Pocket Watches – Identification and Price Guide Beginning to End 1830-1999; 1999; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784; ISBN: 0-913902-53-5
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19. Holsman & Alter; Holsman & Alter Catalog; Unknown Date; 179 Madison Street, Chicago Illinois
20. Lapp & Flershem, The Busiest House in America – 1889 Illustrated Catalogue; 1889; Chicago Illinois, USA
21. Montgomery Ward & Company; Catalogue No. 57; Spring & Summer; 1895; Chicago Illinois, USA
22. National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors
22.a The Railroader’s Corner – A Forum for the Discussion of Railroad Pocket Watches; Standard Watches of the Seth Thomas Clock Company; December 1998; National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
23. Oskamp, Nolting & Co.; The Great American Jewelry Catalog; 1905; Cincinnati Ohio
24. Pocket Watch Database
25. Roddin & Company, E. V.; Jewelry, Watches, and Silverware; 1895; The American Historical Catalog Collection
26. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Consumer’s Guide for 1894; 1894; Chicago Illinois, USA
27. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 110; 1900; Chicago Illinois, USA
28. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 111; 1902; Chicago Illinois, USA
29. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 115; 1905; Chicago Illinois, USA
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31. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 123; 1911; Chicago Illinois, USA
32. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 125; 1912; Chicago Illinois, USA
33. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 127; 1913; Chicago Illinois, USA
34. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Compiled Catalogue; 1905-1910; Chicago Illinois, USA
35. Seth Thomas Clock Company; Seth Thomas Clocks No. 531;1892-1893; 49 Maiden Lane, New York New York.
36. Seth Thomas Clock Company; Seth Thomas Clocks No. 675;1909-1910; 15 Maiden Lane, New York New York.
37. Seth Thomas Clock Company; Seth Thomas Clocks No. 675;1909-1910; 15 Maiden Lane, New York New York.
38. Shugart, Cooksey; Complete Price Guide to American Pocket Watches – First Edition; 1981; Published by Overstreet Pulications, Inc. 780 Hunt Cliff Dr. N.W., Cleveland TN 37311; ISBN: 0-517-543788
39. Shugart, Cooksey; Gilbert, Richard; Engle, Tom; Complete Price Guide to Watches - 2012; Published by Tinderbox Press; ISBN: 978-0-9829487-1-2
40. Shure Company, N.; The Shure Winner Pricelist; 1909; Chicago Illinois
41. Smyth & Company, John, M.; Dictionary of Economy - No. 62; 1909; Chicago Illinois
42. Young & Company; Catalogue of Watches – Illustrated & Priced;1911; Chicago Illinois USA