Metropolitan – Springfield, Mass. | Seth Thomas Private Label

Metropolitan is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size Model 5. Despite some diversity within the manufacturers of pocket watches marked Metropolitan very little primary evidence has been uncovered that would disclose the historical origins of the Seth Thomas private label “Metropolitan - Springfield, Mass.” specifically.

It has not been determined that the advertisement below for Elgin-made and Waltham-made Metropolitan Watch Company movements has any relevance to the exploration of the origins of the Seth Thomas Metropolitan - Springfield, Mass. movements; but because individuals researching one will come across references to the other it is acknowledged here and a clarifying translation is provided from the original Norwegian variant to standard United States English. A link to disambiguation information is provided near the top of this “Metropolitan” research entry. Illustrations related to the Seth Thomas, Elgin, and Waltham movements that are marked “Metropolitan”. To maintain clarity and integrity of purpose, the disambiguation page does not include documentation such as the advertisement below.

This advertisement is written in an older form of Norwegian, using spelling conventions heavily influenced by Danish. Most of it is legible, although a few words are difficult to distinguish because of the original printing.

English Translation

ELGIN or WALTHAM

WATCHES FOR $10.99

Express shipping paid by us.

Elgin or Waltham — $10.99. Value $40.00.

We have purchased 2,500 genuine 14-karat gold-filled watches for considerably less than their original purchase price from a large firm that wishes to retire from business. We have now decided to sell them, for as long as the supply lasts, at the previously unheard-of low price of $10.99.

All these watches were manufactured by the famous Elgin National Watch Company and American Waltham Watch Company.

They are stamped with the names of these companies and are richly equipped with genuine jewels, compensation balances, safety pinions, full-plate movements, stem winding, and all modern improvements.

The cases are manufactured from 14-karat gold sheets over a composition-metal base, making them indistinguishable from a $50.00 gold watch.

Each watch comes with a 20-year guarantee.

There are no better or more famous watches in the entire world than Elgin and Waltham watches.

We will now send these watches, with express charges paid, to anyone who cuts out this advertisement and sends us their name and address.

Examine the watch thoroughly at the express office. If you believe it is worth $10.99, keep it. If not, return it at our expense.

Remember that we have only 2,500 of these watches, so it is important to act promptly. You will never again have such an extraordinary opportunity to obtain a watch for approximately one-quarter of its value.

These watches ordinarily retail for $25 to $40!

A beautiful rolled-gold chain, worth $2.00, will be included free with each watch, provided that 50 cents is enclosed with the order.

Always specify whether you desire a lady's or gentleman's watch, and whether you prefer a hunting case or open-face case. Write to: