THIS IS THE DECEMBER, 2000 interstatetime.com "WATCH OF THE MONTH"

THIS PAGE COULD FEATURE YOUR WATCH!!!

Every month we will pick a watch, submitted by one of our viewers, to be "Watch of the Month". "Watch of the Month" submissions should be a vintage or antique American pocket watch. They don't have to be rare or expensive, just interesting (this should give you lots of options). If you have a watch you would like to submit CLICK HERE to go to the "submission rules" page. THESE WATCHES ARE NOT FOR SALE!

GO BACK TO OUR HOME PAGE OR TO THE WATCH OF THE MONTH ARCHIVES

E. Howard & Co. Boston

"J" Size, Series 10, 15 jewels

About 1500 of these "J" or 12 size watches were produced between 1890 and when Howard procuction ceased. They are in a serial number range from 500,000 to 501,500. These were the first mass produced 12 size, stem wind, American pocket watches.

This watch was submitted by an an interstatetime viewer who wishes to remain anonymous. There are several things about this watch which make it interesting enough to be our "Watch of the Month". Aside from its historical significance, as an example of the first 12 size watch, it appears to be in original condition. Like most Howards, these watches were cased at the factory, in a unique sized case. Many examples have had their cases scrapped over the years. This example appears to be housed in its original case. There were 3 versions of this watch, from a finish and adjustment standpoint. These are designated from best down by a "Deer", a "Horse", or a "Hound", which is found engraved on the movement. This example has a "Horse", signifying that it is the medium grade (adjusted to heat and cold).

One of the greatest things about this watch, according to its owner, who is primarily a clock collector, is that he found it on a flea market table for a very reasonable price. Not being an expert on watches, he bought it because it had a solid gold case, thinking that even if the watch was nothing special, the case made it worth the asking price. Later that day, while driving home, he discovered what he had found in a book. He says "I yelled so loud that the guy who was driving almost drove off the road".