Seth Thomas Pocket Watch Model 2
Seth Thomas Model 2 & Model 2 Key-Wound are represented in the Ehrhardt American Numbered Drawings as EA 806 and EA 806A respectively and can be identified through the use of the drawings below:
Model 2 was the first hunting model that Seth Thomas produced, the second model to be manufactured to include a key wound and key set version (only two-hundred made), the third Seth Thomas pocket watch design to enter production, and the only 18-size divided plate movement. Model 2 was referred to as “Third Series” [*1.d]. Model 2 movements were reported to be manufactured with a gilt finish or a nickel finish only; but examples of two-tone finish (serial #87567) can be seen.
Click this link to open the Model 2 Photo Album in a new tab.
Model 2 movements were manufactured with gilt finish and 7 jewels at grade 34, 11 jewels at grade 56 with the micrometric regulator, 15 jewels at grade 71 with a micrometric regulator non-adjusted, 97 and 102 with micrometric regulator and adjusted. Model 2 movements were manufactured with nickel finish and 15 jewels with a micrometric regulator and non-adjusted at grades 152 and 171, and 15 jewels with a micrometric regulator and adjusted at grades 197 and 202. Model 2 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 2 movements were manufactured with gilt finish and nickel finish, and 17 jewels with a micrometric regulator, flat hairspring and adjusted at grade 80 and 180 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].
Model 2 was the only 18-size divided plate movement. In the photographs below you can see an 1887-1888 Seth Thomas 18-size, hunting Model 2 pocket watch that was manufactured with a gilt finished divided 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 28853, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 56. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
Select Illustrated Grades within Model 2
The Model 2 divided 3/4 plate consists of a train bridge and a barrel bridge, in addition to the balance bridge [*1.g]. In the left-hand photograph the train bridge is seen as the upper portion of the divided plate and the barrel bridge is seen as the lower right-hand portion of the divided plate supporting the mainspring barrel. The balance bridge is seen in the lower left-hand portion of the movement. In the center photograph the train bridge is seen on the left-hand side, leaning against the pillar plate with the third wheel of the power train still in position, and the barrel bridge is resting on the far right-hand side of it, and the balance bridge is slightly below. This photograph demonstrates the serial number markings on the backside of each component of the divided 3/4 plate. It also demonstrates that they are indeed separate components. A standard 3/4 plate consists only of a one-piece top plate in addition to the balance bridge. In the photograph on the right you can see a cut of the train bridge positioned above the barrel bridge.
Seth Thomas Grade 34
7 Jewel - Model 2
This 1889-1890 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished divided 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 543473, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 34. The movement is signed “Lever Brothers Limited New York”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “Lever Brothers Limited New York” 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 Demi/Half-Hunting stiffened gold watch case with hinged front and back covers, serial number 303692. There are Roman numerals engraved around demi-opening in front cover.
Engraved on inside of Dust Cover:
[14] [K]
[Stiffened]
303692
Seth Thomas Grade 52
15 Jewel - Model 2
This 1888-1889 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished divided 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 505814, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 52. The movement is signed “EARLE Philadelphia, PA.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label EARLE Roman dial signed with the "EWC" monogram for Earle Watch Company; fitted with mixed blued spade and fleur-de-lis 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 not presently cased.
Seth Thomas Grade 56
11 Jewel - Model 2
This 1888-1889 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished divided 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 73706, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 56. The movement is signed “Kossuth”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “E. G. Bowyer ALGONA, IOWA.” 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 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 102
15 Jewel - Model 2
This 1887-1888 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished divided 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 28349, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 102. The private label movement is signed “C.J. Wells ONEIDA, N.Y.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “C.J. Wells” 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 Fahys Watch Case Company Coin Silver pocket watch case with hinged back and bezel. The case’s serial number is S5042.
Seth Thomas Grade 152
15 Jewel - Model 2
This 1889-1890 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 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 505818, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 152. The private label movement is signed “Wallace & Simmons Providence, R.I. ”.
The movement presents with an 18-size single-sunk private label Wallace & Simmons “W & S” 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 temporarily cased in an 18-size Crescent Watch Case Co., open-face nickel watch case, serial number 65226.
Seth Thomas Grade 156
11 Jewel - Model 2
This 1889-1890 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 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 86401, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 156. The movement is signed “Bismark”. This was the first Bismark movement manufactured by Seth Thomas.
The movement presents with an 18-size single-sunk private label “Bismark” 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 H. Muhrs Sons Watch Case Co., 20-year gold-filled Lion hunting watch case, serial number 306419.
Seth Thomas Grade 171
15 Jewel - Model 2
This 1889-1890 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 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 98399, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 171. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “Ripon Watch” 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 cased in an open-face 18-size Fahys Watch Case Company, Fahys Ore Silver No.1, watch case, with Coin Grooving Around Bezel and on Back, serial number 5657747.
Seth Thomas Grade 180
17 Jewel - Model 2 - Adjusted
This 1889-1890 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 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 505972, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 180. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
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 Dueber Watch Case Company, gold-filled, hunting watch case, serial number 5091199.
Seth Thomas Grade 197
15 Jewel - Model 2 - Adjusted
This 1887-1888 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 3/4 plate, 15 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Higginbotham hairspring stud, Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 25180, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 197. The movement is signed “C.S. Hayse Norfolk, Neb.”. This is the 80th Seth Thomas Model 2 pocket watch produced. Model 2 serial numbers started at 25101 and concluded at 559000. The Higginbotham hairspring stud was usually reserved for use in the Seth Thomas named grades Henry Molineux and Maiden Lane; but a small number of Model 2 movements with numbered grades were also equipped with it.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “C.S. Hayse” 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 cased in an open-face 18-size Philadelphia Watch Case Company Silverode (nickel) pocket watch case with screw back and bezel. The case’s serial number is 438537.
Seth Thomas Grade 202
15 Jewel - Model 2 - Adjusted
This 1888-1889 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 3/4 plate, 15 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Higginbotham hairspring stud, Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 75828, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 202. 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 cased in an open-face 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company Silveroid (nickel) pocket watch case with screw back and bezel. The case’s serial number is 3461511.
Seth Thomas Grade 508
17 Jewel - Model 2 - Adjusted to Temperature and Position
This 1888-1889 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 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 500246, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 508. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #128 Roman dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size.
The movement is presently cased in an 18-size gold-filled hunting watch case of unknown manufacture, serial number 139.
Seth Thomas Named Grade Henry Molineux
17 Jewel - Model 2 - Adjusted
This 1888-1889 Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 2 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished divided 3/4 plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Higginbotham hairspring stud, Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 55034, and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Henry Molineux. This is the 34th Model 2 Henry Molineux grade pocket watches manufactured by Seth Thomas. The lowest Henry Molineux serial number that I have seen is 54999 and that was a Model 3. The movement is signed “Henry Molineux”.
The movement presents with an 18-size double-sunk Seth Thomas #1228 Roman dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1284 blued Fleur-de-Lis hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size 14k gold-filled, 20-year Crescent Watch Case Company hunting pocket watch case with hinged back and front covers. The case’s serial number is 137968.
*References
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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
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