The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

Roosevelt Hotel, Madison Avenue @ 45th Street, Dec 04, 2002

LOT 700

Hampden Watch Co., No. 2582650, Grade "John Hancock". Produced circa 1910.Fine, rose gold-filled, hunting-cased, keyless watch with a Fergu-son dial.

USD 2,300 - 2,800

C. Four-body "bassine et filets", by "Keystone", hinged covers with engine-turned pattern, reeded band, hinged cuvette. D. White ena-mel, double recessed, center with small red Arabic numerals, outer minute ring with 5-minute large Arabic markers, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "American Spade" hands. M. 18 size, nickel, full plate, damascened, 21 jewels, the top ones in screwed gold settings, lateral lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws adjusted to 5 positionsblued steel Breguet balance spring, rack and pinion patented micrometric regulator, safety pinion, double roller.Signed on dial and movement, dial also signed "Ferguson Dial Patented for Hampton Watch".Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Hampden: The company originated from the New York Watch Co. Towards the end of the 1880's it was bought by case manufacturer, Dueber, who at the time was in the middle of a disagreement with the three major watch companies, and as a result was being boycotted by them. Dueber moved the operation to Canton, Ohio. The company is credited with launching 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 today.Ferguson 21-Jewel Hampden Hampden watches with Ferguson dials are very rare. See patent pages at the end of this catalogue.