Seth Thomas Pocket Watch Model 5
Seth Thomas Model 5 is represented in the Ehrhardt American Numbered Drawings as EA 810 and can be identified through the use of the drawing below:
Model 5 was the eighth Seth Thomas pocket watch design to enter production, and the only full plate movement. Model 5 movements were manufactured in the open-face orientation with a gilt, nickel, or two-tone finish.
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Model 5 movements were manufactured with gilt finish, simple regulator, Breguet hairspring, pendant set, and 7 jewels at grade 47, 11 jewels at grade 58 with the simple regulator and lever set, 15 jewels at grade 59 with a simple regulator non-adjusted, 149 with micrometric regulator, and with 17 jewels, Breguet hairspring, micrometric regulator, and adjusted, at grade 82. Model 5 movements were manufactured with nickel finish, simple regulator, Breguet hairspring, choice of pendant set or lever set, and 7 jewels at grade 57, 15 jewels with a micrometric regulator and non-adjusted at grade 159, and 15 jewels with a micrometric regulator and adjusted at grade 204. Model 5 movements were manufactured with nickel finish and 17 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted at Seth Thomas named grade Maiden Lane. Model 5 movements were manufactured with nickel finish and 17 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and non-adjusted at Seth Thomas grade 169, and lever set, adjusted at grade 182. Model 5 movements were manufactured with two-tone finish and 17 jewels with a micrometric regulator, pendant set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted at Seth Thomas grades 182 and 281. Model 5 movements were manufactured with nickel and two-tone finish, 17 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted to five positions at Seth Thomas grade 382. Model 5 movements were manufactured with two-tone finish and 21 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted to five positions at Seth Thomas named grade Maiden Lane. Model 5 movements were manufactured with nickel and two-tone finish and 21 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted to three positions at Seth Thomas named grade 248, with nickel finish and 21 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted to six or five positions at Seth Thomas named grade 260. Model 5 movements were manufactured with two-tone finish and 24 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted to six positions at Seth Thomas named grade Maiden Lane, and 25 jewels with a micrometric regulator, lever set, Breguet hairspring, and adjusted to five or six positions at Seth Thomas named grade Maiden Lane [*1.n].
In the 1904 Seth Thomas Watch Material Catalog No. 650 visual differentiation was provided to tell us which regulator was designed to be compatible for use on Model 5 movements with the Breguet hairspring, part number 354. We were also shown a cut of the spring and screw that could be used on Model 5 with either the Breguet hairspring regulator or the flat hairspring regulator if micrometric regulation was to be provided. Only a “few hundred” flat hairsprings were used in the production of Model 5. The rest were Breguet hairsprings. The regulator designed for use on Model 5 with Breguet hairsprings has a much more impressive appearance with its index that was available in either gilt (part number 355) or nickel (part number 356). Model 5 is the only Seth Thomas model to offer this spectacular mechanical and artistically appealing regulator style for use with the Breguet hairspring; although other models did utilize modifications to the balance bridge and regulator to extract maximum benefit from the Breguet hairspring.
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The photographs below shows the gilt, nickel, and two-tone finishes available on Model 5 movements. Model 5 exhibits some of the finest, and most intricate finish patterns found on Seth Thomas pocket watches. The photograph on the far right end of the bottom row also shows an example of the gilt damaskeened finish found on some Model 5 movements.
The photographs below also show examples of the simple and micrometric regulators used on Model 5 movements with the flat hairspring type illustrated on the top row. The photograph on the right-hand end of the top row shows the barrel plate portion of the full plate removed to expose the mainspring barrel.
The bottom row of photographs illustrates the types of simple and micrometric regulators used on Model 5 movements with Breguet hairsprings.
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Select Illustrated Grades within Model 5
Seth Thomas Grade 47
11 Jewel - Model 5
This 1913 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished full plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 302177, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 47. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #1240 Roman Canadian dial with red 24-hour numerals and a hash marks minute track with no marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1291 blued spade & whip railroad hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Star Watch Case Company open-face nickel watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number, 1231476.
Seth Thomas Grade 57
7 Jewel - Model 5
This 1913 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished full plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 301578, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 57. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #1238 Roman Canadian dial with black 24-hour numerals and a hash marks minute track with no marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1291 blued spade & whip railroad hands 18-size.
18-size Philadelphia Watch Case Company Open-Face 10K Gold-filled Premier Case - Ser # 5078785
Seth Thomas Grade 58
11 Jewel - Model 5
This 1893 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished full plate, 11 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and simple/plain regulator. Its serial number is 202466, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 58. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with a double-sunk 18-size Seth Thomas #1229 Arabic dial with a hashmarks minute track and red five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1282 blued R.R. spade & whip hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size Illinois Watch Case Company nickel open-face swing out case, serial number 658069.
Seth Thomas Grade 82
17 Jewel - Model 5
This 1899 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt damaskeened finished full plate, 17 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 208744, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 82. The movement is signed “MADE FOR P.A. GOODNOUGH UNION CITY, PA.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “P.A. Goodnough Union City, PA.” 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 Crescent Watch Case Company nickel Century open-face watch case with a swing out movement ring, serial number 71151.
Seth Thomas Grade 149
15 Jewel - Model 5
This 1913 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished full plate, 15 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 292824, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 149. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #1225 Arabic dial with red five-minute marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1291 blued spade & whip railroad hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Crescent Watch Case Company open-face nickel swing-out watch case, serial number 25193.
Seth Thomas Grade 159
15 Jewel - Model 5
This 1904 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished full plate, 17 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 225562, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 159. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size "Bosell Couri" private label Roman dial with the image of a Locomotive on the dial, a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1282 Heavy Spade Railroad Blued Hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size Fahys Watch Case Company, gold-filled Montauk watch case with ornate engraving on back cover, serial number 9441341.
Seth Thomas Grade 169
17 Jewel - Model 5
This 1910 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished full plate, 17 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 287065, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 169. The private label movement is signed “The King Siegel Bros. Boston Mass.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Blue Fancy dial, unsigned, with a ring minute track, black five-minute marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas #1285 Open Morning Glory hands 18-size.
The 1908 Boston Massachusetts City Directory identifies Eli and George Siegel as the “Siegel Bros.” jewelers at 387 Washington Street in Boston. Their business is also identified as Washington Jewelry Co. in other period documents.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Dueber Watch Case Mfg. Company 10k gold-filled open-face Champion watch case, serial number 2762588.
Seth Thomas Grade 173
15 Jewel - Model 5
This 1895 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished full plate, 15 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 204467, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 173. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas Arabic Dial with Ring Minute Track and No Marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 Spade Blued Hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size Fahys Watch Case Company, ORESILVER watch case, serial number 5587287.
Seth Thomas Grade 182
17 Jewel - Model 5 - Adjusted
This 1912 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished full plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 290874, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 182. The private label movement is signed “Lake Shore”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “Lakeshore“ Arabic dial with a hash marks minute track and red five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1282 blued spade Railroad hands, 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Keystone Watch Case Co. Nickeloid open-face watch case, serial number 412235.
Seth Thomas Grade 204
15 Jewel - Model 5 - Adjusted
This 1893 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished full plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 203701, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 182. The private label movement is signed “Providence, R.I.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “AWCo” Roman dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 spade blued hands 18-size. The dial is marked with a stylize cluster of the overlain letters AWCo. Pocket Watch Database notes that the AWCo monogram may be for Albert Walker Company in Providence Rhode Island.
The movement is cased in an open-face 18-size Fahys Watch Case Company Oresilver No. 1 watch case, serial number 5537287.
Seth Thomas Grade 260
21 Jewel - Model 5 - Adjusted 6 Positions
This 1890-1894 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished full plate, 21 jewels, and it is adjusted to six positions. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 223586, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 260. The private label movement is signed “Olympia Special”.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label “Olympia“ Arabic dial with a hash marks minute track and red five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1282 blued spade Railroad hands, 18-size. Olympia Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 5.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Fahys Watch Case Company 20 Years 10k gold-filled open-face Montauk watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 7524956.
Seth Thomas Marked Grade 260
21 Jewel - Model 5 - Adjusted 6 Positions
This 1899 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished full plate, 21 jewels, and it is adjusted to six positions. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 210670, and its grade is Seth Thomas marked grade 260. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #1229 double-sunk Arabic dial with a hash marks minute track and red five-minute marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands 18-size.
The movement is not presently cased.
Seth Thomas Marked Grade 282
17 Jewel - Model 5 - Adjusted 3 Positions
This 1904 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished full plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted to three positions. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 223338, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 282. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size private label “W.D. Heath Special For R.R. Service” Arabic dial with a hash marks minute track and red five-minute marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands 18-size.
The movement is presently cased in an 18-size Fahys Watch Case Company watch open-face Oresilver No. 1 (nickel) case with screw back and bezel, serial number 338512.
Seth Thomas Marked Grade 382
21 Jewel - Model 5 - Adjusted 5 Positions
This 1913 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a nickel finished full plate, 17 jewels, and it is adjusted to five positions. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 350071, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 382. The movement is signed “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #1241 Roman Canadian dial with red 24-hour numerals and a hash marks minute track with no marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1291 blued spade & whip railroad hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Crescent Watch Case Co – Coin Silver – Serial # 211 - Open Face – Threaded Front/Tilt
Movement–– Pat Nine 9 1885.
Seth Thomas Named Grade Maiden Lane
21 Jewel - Model 5 - Adjusted 5 Positions
This 1899 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 5 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished full plate, 21 jewels, and it is adjusted to five positions. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a Breguet hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 208824, and its grade is Seth Thomas factory named grade Maiden Lane. The movement is signed “Maiden Lane”.
The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas #1228 double-sunk Roman dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals, fitted with Seth Thomas #1284 blued fleur-de-lis hands 18-size.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Keystone Watch Case Company open-face 20-years 14k gold-filled J. Boss Crown Scales watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 2754533.
*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
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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
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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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