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 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].
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]. The movements with serial numbers from 1 to 1700 and 1800 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].
Click this link to open the Model 1 Photo Album in a new tab.
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.
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.
Select Illustrated Grades within Model 1 and Model 3
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
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 non-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
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 6862, 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.”.
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 open-face 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company Silveroid (nickel) pocket watch case with hinged back and bezel. The case’s serial number is 3324024.
Seth Thomas Grade 101
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 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 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 non-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
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7. Ehrhardt, Roy; Pocket Watch 1977 Price Indicator Identification and Price Guide; 1977; Printed by Heart of America Press, P.O. Box 9808, Kansas City, MO 64134
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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17. Ehrhardt, Roy and Meggers, William “Bill”; American Pocket Watches – Serial Number Grade Book, 1993 Prices; 1993; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784; ISBN: 09-13902-79-9
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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
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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.
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