Clocks, Watches/How old am I

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Expert: - 1/30/2008


Question
Hello Mr. Mills-Is there any way to find out how old a watch is by these names and numbers--The watch on the inside is signed by Wm. Kinley from the Hampten watch co. out of Canton,Ohio with a serial # 1898445 Its an open face watch and the bach screws on. It has 17 jewels. On the inside of the back cover it has the following (S.W.C. Co. gold filled 20 years) also has these numbers- 5079 looks to be etched in and then is stamped with the following # 5721322. I did read your answer about the 20 years gold filled question. Any help would be appreciated. I Thank you for your time. Best wishes,Jim Bishop

Answer
Jim,

The Hampden Watch Co. made watches with this serial number around
1904.  

A 17 jewel watch is respectable and if operating properly, will still keep time well enough to be used as a watch, even by today's standards (not including quartz watches, only other mechanical watches).

Kind regards,

Melvin

Clocks, Watches

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Melvin Mills

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding the repair of quartz watches and antique American pocket watches. I cannot give appraisals. My expertise is in watches, not clocks.

Experience

I am trained to repair quartz and mechanical watches, both modern and antique. My business focus is on quartz watches and antique pocket watches. I have been in this field for almost 5 years.

Organizations
I belong to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

Education/Credentials
I am a Certified Master Horologist from the National Institute of Horology.

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