The Art of American Horology & Colle...

New York, Nov 28, 2001

LOT 137

Hampden Watch Co., "John Hancock", No. 2582650, circa 1910.Fine, gold-filled, keyless, hunting-cased watch with Ferguson dial.

USD 1,200 - 1,600

C. four-body "bassine et filets", by Keystone, engine-turned covers, reeded band, hinged cuvette. D. white enamel, small red Arabic numerals, outer minute ring with five-minute large Arabic markers, sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "American Spade" hands. M. 18 size, nickel, full plate, damascened, 21 jewels, the top ones in gold settings, adjusted to 5 positions, lateral lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws and blued steel Breguet balance spring, rack and pnion patented micrometric regulator, safety pinion.Signed on the dial: "Ferguson Dial Patented for Hampton Watch".Diam. 55.8 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

HampdenThe company steamed from New York Watch Co. In the end of 1880s it was bought by a case manufacturer Dueber, who had a disagreement with the tree major watch companies who, as a consequence, began boycotting him. He moved the operation to Canton, Ohio. Hampden is credited with lunching the first 23-jewel movement in America in 1891. In 1930 the company was sold to the Russians, renamed Amtorg and is still in business.