Trading Watches
Known Trading Watches Manufactured by Seth Thomas
18-size – Century U.S.A. Locomotive/Fake Variant- Seth Thomas – Model 12 – Gilt Damaskeened
6-size – Countess Janet – Seth Thomas – Model 18 – Two-Tone
18-size – Engine Special – Seth Thomas – Model 12 – Gilt Damaskeened
18-size & 6-size – Sentinel U.S.A. – Seth Thomas – Model 12, Model 13, Model 18 – Two-Tone
18-size – Trainmens Special – Seth Thomas – Model 12, Model 13 – Gilt Damaskeened
18-size – Tribune U.S.A. – Seth Thomas – Model 12, Model 13 – Nickel
Advertisements from the Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalog for Countess Janet and Trainmens Special Trading Watches manufactured by Seth Thomas.
Countess Janet was manufactured in 6-size Seth Thomas Model 18.
Engine Special was manufactured in 18-size Seth Thomas Model 12.
How to Identify Seth Thomas Trading Watches
There is frequently confusion and consternation among pocket watch enthusiasts, collectors, historians, and watchmakers around the murky identity of “Trading Watches.” In general, the term “Trading Watch” is applied to inexpensive 7-jewel movements that have their pivots covered with “fake jewels”, and have movement markings declaring jewel counts of 17, 19 or 23 jewels. They were manufactured in a different social era that is difficult to relate to in modern times. Because the specific Trading Watches manufactured by the Seth Thomas Watch Company are all Private Label watches, none of them are signed with the Seth Thomas name. As with other Seth Thomas Private Label pocket watches, identifying the manufacturer requires knowledge of the shapes and configurations of the top plates of the many models of Seth Thomas pocket watches. Use of the Ehrhardt American (EA) Numbered Drawings permits identification of any pocket watch manufactured in America between 1830 and 1990. The shapes of a watch’s top plates and bridges, as well as the locations of plate screws, casing screws, pivots, balance wheel, regulator, and the mainspring, all contribute to accurately identifying a pocket watch movement by means of the Ehrhardt American (EA) Numbered Drawings. The EA Drawings for Seth Thomas pocket watches are numbered from EA 805 to EA 823. They can be viewed in Roy Ehrhardt’s American Pocket Watches – Identification and Price Guide Beginning to End 1830-1990. Since Seth Thomas only produced Trading Watches in its Model 12, Model 13, and Model 18 it is simple to identify all of them quite quickly. [*14]. Various out-of-copyright cuts from period advertisements are used here instead of the actual Ehrhardt American Numbered Drawings.
MODEL No. 12.
18 SIZE OPEN-FACE
The Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watch configuration is identified as EA 813C.
[ *14, *40 ]
The Seth Thomas Model 13 pocket watch configuration is identified as EA 814A.
[ *14, *1.g ]
6 SIZE HUNTING
MODEL No. 18.
The Seth Thomas Model 18 pocket watch configuration is identified as EA 821.
[ *14, *1.g ]
Ehrhardt American (EA) Numbered Drawings
With a little bit of practice using the EA Numbered Drawings it becomes very easy to recognize any Private Label pocket watch in the Seth Thomas product line. The entire collection of EA Drawings can be found in American Pocket Watches: Identification and Price Guide by Roy Ehrhardt & William “Bill” Meggers. The book is an invaluable tool for anyone who is trying to gain their footing in exploring the wide world of the pocket watches.
Documentation Over Time
The 18-size Private Label Trading Watches manufactured by Seth Thomas are described in the Seth Thomas Clock Company Catalog of Watch Models and Grades compiled by Daniel J. Gaenger. They are described as being Model 12, Century grade, with 7 jewels, non-adjusted, with a micro-regulator, flat hairspring, lever set, open face orientation, with two-tone finish, and having fake markings of “23 Jewels, Adjusted”. As with records of this era, there is frequently some variation from what we have observed since the time production ceased.
Six Seth Thomas Private Label Trading Watches
The six Private Label Trading Watches manufactured by the Seth Thomas Watch Company have been identified and cataloged in American Pocket Watches: Identification and Price Guide (Revised 1999) by Roy Ehrhardt & William “Bill” Meggers. The following descriptive listings are included.
The Century U.S.A. Locomotive Trading Watch is listed on page 135. The listing shows four models but only two EA numbers. The Ehrhardt American Numbers listed here are EA 813 (Model 12) and EA 814 (Model 13). The Model 12 Century U.S.A. Locomotive Trading Watch is described as an 18-size, 7-jewel, open face, gilt, lever set, non-adjusted, Century grade movement. This variant group is not the only ‘Century U.S.A.” signed movements manufactured by Seth Thomas that are not nickel-finished. It is unknown how many of these variant movements were produced. The description of the Model 13 version is the same as Model 12 except for its orientation being hunting. There are descriptions of Model 10 and Model 11 versions of the variant, but those have not been observed.
The Countess Janet Private Label Trading Watch is listed on page 139. It is identified as a 6-size, hunting cased, lever set, nickel movement. The Ehrhardt American Number listed here is EA 820. Countess Janet is also shown in the Seth Thomas section of the Complete Price Guide to Watches by Gilbert, Engle, and Shugart – 2012 on page 393..
The Engine Special Trading Watch is listed on page 146. The Ehrhardt American Number listed here is EA 813C. The description is not detailed.
The Sentinel Trading Watch is listed on page 197. The Ehrhardt American Numbers listed here are EA 813 (Model 12) and EA 814 (Model 13). The Model 12 version is described as an 18-size, 7-jewel, open face, lever set, non-adjusted, Century grade movement. The Model 13 version is described as being the same except for the movement’s hunting orientation. The 6-size Model 18 version is not listed, but we know that it does exist because I own two of them. Sentinel is also shown in the Encyclopedia and Price Guide of American Pocket Watches Volume 1 (June 1982) by Roy Ehrhardt on page 206.
The Trainmens Special Trading Watch is listed on page 203. The Ehrhardt American Number listed here is EA 813. The Trainmens Special is described as being an 18-size, open face, lever set, non-adjusted, Century grade movement. Trainmens Special is also shown in the Encyclopedia and Price Guide of American Pocket Watches by Roy Ehrhardt on page 206. The Trainmens Special is also included in the Complete Price Guide to Watches – 2012 by Gilbert, Engle, and Shugart on page 391.
The Tribune U.S.A. Trading Watch is listed on page 204. The Ehrhardt American Numbers listed here are EA 813 (Model 12) and EA 814 (Model 13). The Model 12 version of the Tribune is described as an 18-size, 7-jewel, open face, nickel, lever set, non-adjusted, Century grade movement. The Model 13 version is described as being the same except for the movement’s hunting orientation. Tribune is also shown in the Encyclopedia and Price Guide of American Pocket Watches by Roy Ehrhardt on page 206.
Private Label Trading Watches
At around the turn of the 20th Century, the Seth Thomas Watch Company was contracted by Sears, Roebuck and Company to produce several “models” of Private Label “Trading Watches,” which were 7-jewel, non-adjusted movements fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement had 17 or 23 jewels and that it was adjusted. The 18-size movements that Sears ordered were gilt damaskeened with an engraved locomotive and a micro-regulator. The 6-size movements were two-tone with simple regulators. These watches were sold in merchandise catalogs by Sears, Roebuck & Company to “middleman” peddlers who then re-sold or traded them as Railroad Watch look-alikes. The Trading Watches that Seth Thomas produced for Sears, Roebuck & Co. included an 18-size “Century U.S.A.” Locomotive Fake variant sporting a gilt damaskeened top plate with a locomotive engraving and a locomotive on the dial; a 6-size “Countess Janet”; an 18-size “Engine Special”; and an 18-size “Trainmens Special”.
Fake Jewels on an Engine Special Private Label Trading Watch made by Seth Thomas for Sears, Roebuck & Company.
A Fake Jewel and Jewel Cover for an Engine Special Private Label Trading Watch made by Seth Thomas for Sears, Roebuck & Company.
The large Fake Jewel is missing from [mainspring] Barrel Arbor on an Engine Special Private Label Trading Watch made by Seth Thomas for Sears.
Sears, Roebuck & Co. also contracted with other American pocket watch manufacturers and with Swiss pocket watch manufacturers to produce Trading Watches for sale in the Sears Catalog. The same private-label “Trading Watches” manufactured by Seth Thomas for Sears & Roebuck were also produced by other domestic and foreign manufacturers with the movement configurations of their own product lines. The process of telling the individual manufacturers apart will be discussed later in this article.
The Pocket Watch Database informs us that Seth Thomas manufactured an 18-size “Tribune U.S.A.” trading watch for a jeweler, Sproehnle & Co., in Chicago. [*24]
Seth Thomas also manufactured an 18-size and a 6-size “Sentinel U.S.A.” trading watch; but it is not publicly known who had entered into contract with Seth Thomas to have it produced.
Countess Janet
This 1897-1898 Seth Thomas 6-size hunting Model 18 pocket watch was manufactured with a Two-Tone 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 962426, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 35. The movement is signed “Countess Janet”.
The movement is fitted with a 6-size private label "Countess Janet" Roman Dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas #1271 blued spade hands 6-size. Countess Janet is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 18, manufactured for Sears, Roebuck & Company by the Seth Thomas Watch Company for their catalog. The Countess Janet is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 17 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in a 6-size Illinois Watch Case Company 10k gold-filled Plymouth-Perfect hunting watch case, serial number 1379357. The Plymouth watch case was sold by Sears, Roebuck & Company; most likely manufactured by the Illinois Watch Case Company.
This 1897-1898 Seth Thomas 6-size hunting Model 18 pocket watch was manufactured with a Two-Tone 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 966625, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 35. The movement is signed “Countess Janet”.
The movement is fitted with a 6-size private label "Countess Janet" Roman Dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas #1271 blued spade hands 6-size. Countess Janet is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 18, manufactured for Sears, Roebuck & Company by the Seth Thomas Watch Company for their catalog. The Countess Janet is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 17 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in a 6-size American Watch Case Co. of Toronto, Ltd. 25-years gold-filled Cashier hunting watch case, serial number 395188.
Engine Special
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1083797 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “ENGINE SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "ENGINE SPECIAL" Arabic dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Engine Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch. The Engine Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 23 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Crescent Watch Case Company Swing-Out Nickel watch case with coin groove around bezel, serial number 61352.
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1089810 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “ENGINE SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "ENGINE SPECIAL" Arabic dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Engine Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch. The Engine Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 23 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Crescent Watch Case Company, Silveroid watch case, serial number 3324024.
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1091017 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “ENGINE SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "ENGINE SPECIAL" Arabic dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Engine Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch. The Engine Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 23 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in an 18-size H. Muhrs Sons Silverode (nickel) open-face case with a screw back and bezel, serial number 464745. There is a locomotive engraved on back cover.
Sentinel
This 1897-1898 Seth Thomas 6-size hunting Model 18 pocket watch was manufactured with a Two-Tone 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 998495, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 35. The movement is signed “SENTINEL U.S.A.”.
The movement is fitted with a 12X6-size private label "SENTINEL U.S.A." Roman Dial with a hash marks minute track and red five-minute marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas #1277 blued spade hands 12-size. Sentinel U.S.A. is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 18. Sentinel U.S.A. is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 17 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in a 6-size Illinois Watch Case Company gold-filled hunting watch case, serial number 1746506.
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1197564 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “SENTINEL U.S.A.”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "SENTINEL U.S.A." Arabic dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Sentinel U.S.A. is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch. The Engine Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 19 jewels.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Bay State Watch Case Company 20-years gold-filled open-face watch case with hinged back and bezel, serial number 2224058.
This Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 13 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1740292 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “SENTINEL U.S.A.”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "SENTINEL U.S.A." Arabic dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Sentinel U.S.A. is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch. The Engine Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 19 jewels.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Illinois Watch Case Company open-face Spartan watch case, serial number 0670666.
This Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 13 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1756493 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “SENTINEL U.S.A.”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "SENTINEL U.S.A." Arabic dial with a ring minute track and red five-minute marginals. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Sentinel U.S.A. is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch. The Engine Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 19 jewels.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Philadelphia Watch Case Company open-face Silverode (nickel) watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 686753.
This 1897-1898 Seth Thomas 6-size hunting Model 18 pocket watch was manufactured with a Two-Tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 3256317, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 35. The movement is signed “SENTINEL U.S.A.”.
The movement is fitted with a 12X6-size private label "SENTINEL U.S.A." Arabic dial with a hash marks minute track and red five-minute marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas #1277 blued spade hands 12-size. The dial has no seconds bit and converts the appearance of the movement from hunting to open-face through the placement of the dial feet. Sentinel U.S.A. is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 18. Sentinel U.S.A. is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 17 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in an 1896 Illinois Watch Case Company open-face 12 X 6 gold-filled Napoleon watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 1659433. This case is designed to accept a 12-size dial mounted on a 6-size movement.
Trainmens Special
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1010272 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “TRAINMENS SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "TRAINMENS SPECIAL" Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Trainmens Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch for Sears, Roebuck & Company to sell in their catalog. The Trainmens Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 23 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Illinois Watch Case Company open-face Nickel Silver (nickel) watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 70760.
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 1061352 and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “TRAINMENS SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "TRAINMENS SPECIAL" Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Trainmens Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch for Sears, Roebuck & Company to sell in their catalog. The Trainmens Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 23 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is not presently cased.
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its SETH THOMAS FAN Serial Number is TRAINMENS12A and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “TRAINMENS SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "TRAINMENS SPECIAL" Arabic dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Trainmens Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch for Sears, Roebuck & Company to sell in their catalog. The Trainmens Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 23 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Dueber Watch Case Manufacturing Company open-face Silverine (nickel) watch case with hinged back and bezel, serial number 1036779.
This Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 12 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its SETH THOMAS FAN Serial Number is TRAINMENS12B and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “TRAINMENS SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "TRAINMENS SPECIAL" Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Trainmens Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch for Sears, Roebuck & Company to sell in their catalog. The Trainmens Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 23 jewels and that it is adjusted.
The movement is cased in an 18-size Illinois Watch Case Company open-face nickel Sears Roebuck Label, watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 483168.
This Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 13 pocket watch was manufactured with a two-tone finished 3/4 plate, 7 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and pendant set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its SETH THOMAS FAN Serial Number is TRAINMENS13A and its grade is Seth Thomas named grade Century. The movement is signed “TRAINMENS SPECIAL”. Since none of the Seth Thomas Model 12 pocket watches had serial numbers marked on their top plate until after 1904; it is not possible to accurately state what order those without numbers were manufactured in.
The movement is fitted with an 18-size private label "TRAINMENS SPECIAL" Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. There is an image of a locomotive on the dial in the signature space and the dial is signed around the top circumference of the seconds bit. The dial is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands. Trainmens Special is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12 manufactured as a Trading Watch for Sears, Roebuck & Company to sell in their catalog. The Trainmens Special is a 7-jewel, non-adjusted movement fitted with pivot covers resembling raised jewel settings; but holding only a ruby-colored translucent bead, and with false movement markings indicating that the movement has 17 jewels and that it is adjusted.
18-size Keystone Watch Case Company open-face Silveroid (nickel) watch case with screw back and bezel, serial number 5976933.
CONCLUSIONS
Trading Watches are held in poor esteem today because they were openly marketed to re-sellers as a means of tricking unknowing buyers into paying higher prices for what appeared to be a high-quality watch; but was actually an inexpensive lower quality watch. Trading Watches were initially imported from foreign makers who were trying to get a foothold in the American market.
Trading Watches represent a stage in the history of American Pocket Watch production when American manufacturers felt vulnerable to foreign incursion and exploitation, from products that we now refer to as “Swiss Fakes”, and in response they rose to supply the products in demand for this niche Private Label market domestically. From an historical perspective, Seth Thomas Private Label Trading Watches are valuable and collectible artifacts to be preserved, shared publicly with the horological community, and enjoyed.
*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
4. Ehrhardt, Roy; Trade Marks, Watch Cases, Pocket Watches, Precious Stones, Diamonds; 1976; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784
5. Ehrhardt, Roy; Foreign and American Pocket Watch Identification and Price Guide; 1976; Printed by Heart of America Press, P.O. Box 9808, Kansas City, MO 64134
6. Ehrhardt, Roy; Pocket Watch 1976 Price Indicator Identification and Price Guide; 1976; Printed by Heart of America Press, P.O. Box 9808, Kansas City, MO 64134
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
9. Ehrhardt, Roy; Pocket Watch 1979 Price Indicator Identification and Price Guide; 1979; Printed by Heart of America Press, P.O. Box 9808, Kansas City, MO 64134
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
11. Ehrhardt, Roy and Meggers, William “Bill”; Encyclopedia and Price Guide to American Pocket Watches; 1982; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784; ISBN: 0-913902-33-0
12. Ehrhardt, Roy; American Pocket Watches – Price Guide; 1972; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784; ISBN: 09-13902-53-5
13. Ehrhardt, Roy; American Pocket Watches – Identification and Price Guide; 1974; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784; ISBN: 09-13902-53-5
14. Ehrhardt, Roy and Meggers, William “Bill”; American Pocket Watches – Identification and Price Guide Beginning to End 1830-1990; 1990; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784; ISBN: 09-13902-53-5
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
16. Ehrhardt, Roy and Meggers, William “Bill”; Vintage American Pocket Watches – Identification and Price Guide Beginning to End 1830-2009; 2009; Printed by Heart of America Press, Umatilla Florida 32784; ISBN: 978-0-615-23255-3
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
18. Field & Company, Marshall; 1896 Illustrated Catalogue of Jewelry & Fashion; 1896; Adams, Quincy, Franklin, 5th Avenue, Chicago
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
26. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Consumer’s Guide for 1894; 1894; Chicago Illinois, USA
27. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 110; 1900; Chicago Illinois, USA
28. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 111; 1902; Chicago Illinois, USA
29. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 115; 1905; Chicago Illinois, USA
30. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 121; 1910; Chicago Illinois, USA
31. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 123; 1911; Chicago Illinois, USA
32. Sears, Roebuck & Company; Catalogue No. 125; 1912; Chicago Illinois, USA
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.
38. Shugart, Cooksey; Complete Price Guide to American Pocket Watches – First Edition; 1981; Published by Overstreet Pulications, Inc. 780 Hunt Cliff Dr. N.W., Cleveland TN 37311; ISBN: 0-517-543788
39. Shugart, Cooksey; Gilbert, Richard; Engle, Tom; Complete Price Guide to Watches - 2012; Published by Tinderbox Press; ISBN: 978-0-9829487-1-2
40. Shure Company, N.; The Shure Winner Pricelist; 1909; Chicago Illinois
41. Smyth & Company, John, M.; Dictionary of Economy - No. 62; 1909; Chicago Illinois
42. Young & Company; Catalogue of Watches – Illustrated & Priced;1911; Chicago Illinois USA