Seth Thomas Movement Marking Styles
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.
Model 2 Movement Markings
There were two styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 2 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 2 movements started out with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed in two lines at the perimeter of the train bridge. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature presents in a Formal Script font. The “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in some variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located at the center perimeter of the barrel bridge. “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed at the bottom of the train bridge, just above the mainspring barrel. “PAT’D DEC. 6, ‘87.” is inscribed on the back of the pillar plate in two lines and is visible in the space between the balance bridge and the mainspring barrel. Serial number 558232 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 28044 - 558232.
The second standard movement markings on Model 2 movements is intermixed with the first style and is primarily used on movements with higher jewel counts. The configuration of the markings is the same. The only difference is with the “Seth Thomas“ portion of the signature presenting in stylized Old English Exaggerated Serif font. The “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in the same variation of an Old English Text font as Style 1. The movement serial number is still located at the center perimeter of the barrel bridge. “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed at the bottom of the train bridge, just above the mainspring barrel. “PAT’D DEC. 6, ‘87.” is inscribed on the back of the pillar plate in two lines and is visible in the space between the balance bridge and the mainspring barrel. Serial number 87929 is the first documented use of Style 2 and 558523 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 87565 - 558523.
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.
Seth Thomas Model 4 Movement Markings
The standard movement markings on Seth Thomas key-wound Model 4 movements started at serial number 35001 with the “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature in a partially overlapping concentric arc just above the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature, also following the arc of the movement’s circumference. “Seth Thomas” is engraved in a Formal Script font, and “Thomaston, Conn.” is engraved in a Serif Caps font. The pattern of the signature on Seth Thomas key-wound Model 4 movements remained the same from the start to the finish of their production.
From serial number 35001 the movement serial number is located to the left-hand side below the cutout for the balance wheel. Serial number 35960 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 1 of the Seth Thomas Model 4 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database. Somewhere between serial numbers 35960 and 44913 the serial number marking was moved to the right-hand side below the cutout for the balance wheel. The serial number remained on the right-hand side for the remainder of Model 4’s production.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 35062 - 35960.
Somewhere between serial numbers 35960 and 44913 the serial number marking was moved to the right-hand side below the cutout for the balance wheel. The serial number remained on the right-hand side for the remainder of Model 4’s production.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 44913 - 585584.
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Model 5 Movement Markings
There were two styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 5 pocket watches.
The standard Model 5 movement markings started out with the “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature inscribed to subtly follow the curves of barrel bridge upon which it is inscribed. The “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature is inscribed in two lines below the first half of the signature. Both halves of the signature present in some variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located at the top center of the train bridge and “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed on the train bridge just above the upward curve of the mainspring barrel bridge. Serial number 207258 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 200021 - 207258.
Somewhere between movements number 207258 and 207886 the Model 5 signature was moved to follow the outer perimeter of the barrel bridge with the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion arranged in one line. This allows for jewel counts and positions of adjustment to be marked on the movements. Serial number 350919 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 207886 - 350919.
Maiden Lane is a factory named grade manufactured by Seth Thomas in Model 5 with 17, 21, 24, or 25 jewels, and they were adjusted to either five or six positions. All Maiden Lane factory named grade movements are Model 5 and are signed with the marking “Maiden Lane” instead of “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”. Maiden Lane is the highest factory named grade to be manufactured by Seth Thomas. It was a Railroad Grade pocket watch.
Model 6 Movement Markings
There were eight styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 6 pocket watches.
The standard, non-private label, Model 6 movement markings started with (STYLE 1) a small eagle engraved on the lower central area of the top plate, and with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”, reduced in size, inscribed on two lines around the lower left forty-five degrees of the perimeter. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature is inscribed in a Formal Script font. The “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in some variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located to the right of center below the cutout for the balance wheel.
Serial number 551975 is the lowest serial number and 554701 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 551975 - 554701.
Some of the Seth Thomas standard, non-private label, movement marking styles in Model 6 overlap serial number ranges. With this in mind, somewhere between serial numbers 554701 and 560805 the standard Model 6 movement markings without an eagle engraved on the movements started out with (STYLE 2) the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed on two concentrically arched lines around the lower ninety degrees of the perimeter. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature is inscribed in a Formal Script font and the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in a variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located to the right of center below the cutout for the balance wheel.
Serial number 580953 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 1 of the Seth Thomas Model 6 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 560805 - 582258.
Somewhere between movements number 580953 and 587426 the next Model 6 movement markings style (STYLE 3) arranged the top “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature in an upward arc as the lower “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature remained in a downward arc following the perimeter of the movement. Both portions of the signature were in an Old English font.
Serial number 587164 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 2 of the Seth Thomas Model 6 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial # range 587164 - 587603.
The Model 6 marking style becomes a bit confusing in their serial number ranges as there are several variations mixed together with overlapping serial number ranges. STYLE 4 retains the pattern from Style 3; but the serial number is moved from the right-hand side of the cutout for the balance wheel to the left-hand side somewhere between serial number 587603 and 591048.
Serial number 595326 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database. This Model 6 movement marking style may be seen on Pages 2 & 3 of the Pocket Watch Database Model 6 Image Gallery.
Movement Marking Style 4 - Documented serial # range 591028 - 595326.
The Model 6 movement marking STYLE 5 repeats the pattern from Style 2 with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed on two concentrically arched lines around the lower ninety degrees of the perimeter; but adds the marking “Safety Pinion” under the center wheel pinion.
Serial number 587799 is the only serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database. This Model 6 movement marking style may be seen on Page 2 of the Pocket Watch Database Model 6 Image Gallery.
Movement Marking Style 5 - Documented serial # range 587799 - 588185.
The Model 6 movement markings STYLE 6 retains serial number under the left-hand side of the cutout for the balance wheel; but the “Safety Pinion” marking is moved up to the right-hand side of the cutout, and the signature is marked in one line along the bottom 180 degrees of the perimeter. Style 7 movement markings start somewhere between movements number 598731 and 601828.
Serial number 646153 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available starting on Page 2 of the Pocket Watch Database Model 6 Image Gallery.
Movement Marking Style 6 - Documented serial # range 594115 - 597796.
You can indirectly 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.
Somewhere between movements number 597796 and 598731 the Model 6 movement markings STYLE 7 relocates the “Safety Pinion” marking to beneath the center wheel pinion.
Serial number 598731 is the only serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 2 of the Pocket Watch Database Model 6 Image Gallery.
Movement Marking Style 7 - Documented serial # 598731.
Somewhere between movements number 598731 and 601828 the Model 6 movement markings STYLE 8 retained the serial number on the left-hand side of the cutout for the balance wheel; but relocates the “Safety Pinion” marking to right-hand side of the cutout, and redesigned the signature to be only one line at the bottom 180 degrees above the perimeter of the movement.
Serial number 646153 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available starting on Page 2 of the Pocket Watch Database Model 6 Image Gallery.
Movement Marking Style 8 - Documented serial number range 601828 - 646153.
Model 7 Movement Markings
There were four styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 7 pocket watches.
The standard (non-private label) Model 7 movement markings started with a small eagle engraved on the lower central area of the top plate, and with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.”, reduced in size, inscribed on two lines around the lower right forty-five degrees of the perimeter. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature is inscribed in a Formal Script font. The “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in some variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located to the right of center below the cutout for the balance wheel. Serial number 549418 is the lowest serial number and 556754 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 526458 - 557992.
Somewhere between serial numbers 556754 and 557689 the standard Model 7 movement markings without an eagle engraved on the movements started out with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed on two lines around the lower right ninety degrees of the perimeter. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature is inscribed in a Formal Script font. The “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in some variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located to the right of center below the cutout for the balance wheel. Serial number 583911 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 557689 - 583911.
Somewhere between movements number 583911 and 585044 the Model 7 movement markings began to include the words “SAFETY PINION” to the left of center below the cutout for the balance wheel in a Serif Caps font. Serial number 611041 (jlepp12) is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation (by jlepp12) is available on the Pocket Watch Database. This serial number range of this pattern of markings overlapped with Style 4.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number range 585044 - 611041.
Somewhere between movements number 585132 and 592890 a Model 7 single-line signature was used. Serial number 607953 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database. This serial number range of this pattern of markings overlapped with Style 3. This Model 7 movement marking style may be seen on Pages 2 & 3 of the Pocket Watch Database Model 7 Image Gallery.
Movement Marking Style 4 - Documented serial # range 592890 - 641855.
Model 8 Movement Markings
There were three styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 8 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on the open-face Model 8 movements started out exactly where open-face Model 6 left off, with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed around the lower 180 degrees of the perimeter. The signature presents in some variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located to the left of center below the cutout for the balance wheel and “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed to the right of center below the cutout in a Serif Caps font. Serial number 783931 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 701423 - 783931.
Somewhere between movements number 783931 and 796822 the Model 8 serial number marking was moved to a position on the lower left perimeter of the plate below the signature. Serial number 807299 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 796822 - 807299
In Lower Serial Number Range
The production run starting with serial number 2500001 saw the Model 8 signature return to its single-line format; but the serial number was still marked on the lower left perimeter of the plate below the signature. Serial number 2516876 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 2500169 - 2516876
In Higher Serial Number Range
Somewhere between movements number 807299 and 810984 the Model 8 single-line signature was broken into two lines. Serial number 851852 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 810984 - 851852
In Lower Serial Number Range
Somewhere between movements number 2513680 and 2516224 the Model 8 single-line signature was phased out and the two-line style was phased in. Serial number 2592026 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 2516224 - 2592026
In Higher Serial Number Range
Model 9 Movement Markings
There were three styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 9 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 9 movements started out with the signature “Seth Thomas Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed around the lower 180 degrees of the perimeter. The signature presents in some variation of an Old English Text font. The movement serial number is located to the right of center below the cutout for the balance wheel and “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed to the left of center below the cutout in a Serif Caps font. Serial number 801548 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 700183 - 804164.
Somewhere between movements number 801548 and 802643 the Model 9 serial number marking was moved to a position on the lower right perimeter of the plate below the signature. Serial number 805407 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 802643 - 805407.
Somewhere between movements number 802643 and 804633 the Model 9 single-line signature on some Model 9’s was broken into two lines. Serial number 852665 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 804633 - 852665.
Model 14 Movement Markings
There were three styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 14 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 14 movements started out with the signature “Seth Thomas” inscribed in an arc along the perimeter of the train bridge, and with “Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed in an arc following the perimeter of the barrel bridge, below the movement serial number. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature presents in an Old English font, and the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in a Sarif Caps font. “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed at the top of the barrel bridge. Serial number 165439 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 100090 - 165439.
There were three styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 14 pocket watches.
At serial number 137784 a second style of standard movement markings on Model 14 movements appeared with the signature “Seth Thomas” inscribed in an arc along the perimeter of the train bridge, with “Thomaston, Conn.” in the same arc beneath it. The serial number continued to be inscribed along the perimeter of the barrel bridge. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature presents in an Old English font, and the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature presents in a Sarif Caps font. “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed at the top of the barrel bridge. Serial number 142893 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 137784 - 143647.
There were three styles of standard movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 14 pocket watches.
At serial number 142588 a third style of standard movement markings on Model 14 movements appeared with the signature “Seth Thomas” inscribed in an arc along the perimeter of the train bridge, without “Thomaston, Conn.” inscribed anywhere on the top plate. The serial number continued to be inscribed along the perimeter of the barrel bridge. The “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature presents in an Old English font. “SAFETY PINION” is inscribed at the top of the barrel bridge. Serial number 142893 is the only serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number 142588.
There were four styles of standard, non-private label, movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 15 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 15 movements started out with the movement serial number located on the right-hand side perimeter of the top plate. Serial number 129357 is the only serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 1 of the Seth Thomas Model 15 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number 129357.
Model 15 Movement Markings
Somewhere between Serial Number 129357 and Serial Number 136446 some Model 15 movements included the engraved image of a long stem rose. The signature size was reduced, and the movement serial number was place above it.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 136446 - 141566.
Somewhere between Serial Number 141312 and Serial Number 144027 Model 15 the signature was divided into two lines on the lower left-hand quarter of the movement. The movement serial number remained where it had been.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number range 144027 - 153688.
Somewhere between Serial Number 153688 and Serial Number 154125 the Model 15 standard movement markings included “Safety Pinion” inscribed around the center wheel pinion.
Movement Marking Style 4 - Documented serial number range 154125 - 159790.
Model 16 Movement Markings
There were two styles of standard, non-private label, movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 16 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 16 movements initially continued in the same pattern that Model 15 ended with, the signature on two lines following the perimeter of the top plate’s edge in the lower left quadrant. The signature which was located in the lower right quadrant. Serial number 171987 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available. Model 16 images can be seen starting on Page 1 of the Seth Thomas Model 16 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 160101 - 171987.
Somewhere between Serial Number 171987 and Serial Number 172682 some Model 16 movements reverted back to the original Model 15 standard movement markings with the signature on one line following the lower 180-degree perimeter of the top plate just inboard of the movement’s serial number, which was located in the lower right quadrant.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 172682 - 412051.
You can indirectly 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.
Model 17 Movement Markings
There were two styles of standard, non-private label, movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 17 pocket watches.
The standard movement markings on Model 17 movements initially continued in the same pattern that Model 16 ended with the signature on one line following the lower 180-degree perimeter of the top plate just inboard of the movement’s serial number, which was located in the lower right quadrant. Serial number 488360 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available. Model 17 images can be seen starting on Page 7 of the Seth Thomas Model 16 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 420019 - 488360.
The first documented Serial Number in Model 17 Movement Markings Style 2 is 456601 and the highest serial number is 457000. These serial numbers are documented in the 1904 Seth Thomas Watch Material Catalog. “Movements 456601 to 457000 are divided top plate like No. 14 model, and have 16 Jewels.”
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 456601 - 457000.
The first documented Serial Number in Model 17 Movement Markings Style 2 is 487322. It bears a two-line waved signature in the lower central portion of the top plate, with the movement’s serial number located in the lower right quadrant. The Style 2 serial number range overlaps with the Style 1 serial number range.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number range 487322 - 927960.
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.
Model 18 Movement Markings
There was no style of standard, non-private label, movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 18 pocket watches. All Seth Thomas Model 18 pocket watches were manufactured as private label pocket watches. Private Label pocket watches in the Model 18 Photo Album include: Adonis U.S.A.; Athabasca; Century U.S.A.; Countess Janet; Knickerbocker Watch Co.; Lake Shore; Republic U.S.A.; Sentinel U.S.A.; Stratford U.S.A. and Waldorf U.S.A.
None of the movements in Model 18 were signed Seth Thomas, Thomaston, Conn.
Model 18 images can be seen starting on Page 1 of the Seth Thomas Model 18 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Model 19 Movement Markings
There was only one style of standard, non-private label, movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 19 pocket watches.
Model 19 is not recognized as a separate, distinct model on the Pocket Watch Database. The standard movement markings on Model 19 movements continued in the same pattern that Model 17 ended with. Model 19 images can be seen starting on Page 11 of the Seth Thomas Model 17 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 3000104 - 3003803.
Model 20 Movement Markings
There was only one style of standard, non-private label, movement markings used on Seth Thomas Model 20 pocket watches.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 2000628 - 2004551.
Model 21 Movement Markings
From serial number 1304501 the movement serial number is located on the right-hand side perimeter of the top plate. Serial number 1353394 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 3 of the Seth Thomas Model 21 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 1305200 - 1353394.
When production of Model 21 resumed in a higher serial number range the movement markings did not include the Centennial grade name. The significance of this omission is the subject of debate.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 2593001 - 2600000.
Model 22 Movement Markings
From serial number 3258701 the movement serial number is located on the right-hand side perimeter of the top plate. Serial number 3297387 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 2 of the Seth Thomas 12-Size Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 3258786 - 3297387.
The first documented serial number with these movement markings is 3260459. The movement serial number is located on the left-hand side perimeter of the top plate, Safety Pinion is marked beneath the center wheel pivot, the signature is an upward curved Seth Thomas with Thomaston on a straight line below that and Conn. USA on a third line. Serial number 3266182 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 3260461 - 3266182.
The only documented serial number with these movement markings is 3290543. The movement serial number is located on the right-hand side perimeter of the top plate, Safety in marked above the center wheel pivot and Pinion is marked beneath the center wheel pivot. The signature is an upward curved Seth Thomas with Thomaston Conn. USA in a slight upward curve below it. Serial number 3290543 is the only serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number 3290543.
Model 23 Movement Markings
The standard movement markings on Seth Thomas Model 23 movements started at serial number 350001 with the “Seth Thomas” portion of the signature in an arc just above the “Thomaston, Conn.” portion of the signature on two lines. The pattern of the signature on Seth Thomas Model 23 movements remained the same from the start to the finish of their production. Serial number 3504088 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 3 of the Seth Thomas 12-size Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database. The Model 23 movements with jewel counts higher than seven have the count marked below the signature and the 17-jewel adjusted movements are marked “Adjusted 3 Positions” on the back of the pillar plate, visible from the top plate adjacent to the balance wheel. The adjusted movements have a unique checkered engraving pattern, and the movement markings are in gilt lettering. An anomaly to this pattern can be seen below in 17-jewel serial #3500007. The extra jewels are clearly seen to be present; but the movement is not marked with a jewel count and could be mistaken for a 7-jewel movement if the jeweled pivots are not observed.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 3500007 - 3504088.
Model 24 Movement Markings
From serial number 3053263 the movement serial number is located on the left-hand side perimeter of the top plate. Serial number 3085304 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 4 of the Seth Thomas 6-size Movements Manufactured Starting in 1910 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 1 - Documented serial number range 3053263 - 3085304.
Somewhere between Serial Number 3069401 and Serial Number 3081462 Model 24 some movements included the Centennial grade name being marked despite Style 1 markings also being used until at least Serial Number 3085304.
Movement Marking Style 3 - Documented serial number range 3081248 - 3102173.
From serial number 3055252 the Safety Pinion marking is removed. Serial number 3055493 is the highest serial number utilizing this marking format for which photographic documentation is available on Page 4 of the Seth Thomas 6-size Movements Manufactured Starting in 1910 Image Gallery of the Pocket Watch Database.
Movement Marking Style 2 - Documented serial number range 3055252 - 3055493.
Somewhere between Serial Number 3081658 and Serial Number 3082340 Model 24 some movements dropped the Centennial grade marking.
Movement Marking Style 4 - Documented serial number 3082340.
Somewhere between Serial Number 3082340 and Serial Number 3089566 the Model 24 signature was changed from two lines to three lines.
Movement Marking Style 5 - Documented serial number range 3089566 - 3091193.
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