Expert: William J Perkins - 3/6/2010

Question
I came across a pocket watch and when I opened the rear of the case I found the letters C.W.C. Co. and the number 2268014 inside. How can I identify this watch, appoximate year and location of its manufacture?  Thank you.

Answer
Per my resume', the article that led you to me, I respond only to inquiries regarding mechanical clocks.  In this instance I will deviate from that protocol.  The letters you provide refer to the watch case manufacturer, in this case most likely Cresent or Chicago Watch case Company.  There were at least 11 firms using those letters.  To determine which of these would be correct I would have to know exactly how they are presented and if there were a logo of some type in evidence.  The history of the actual watch would be stamped upon the watch movements backplate and would normally identify the maker, the model, number of jewels, adjustments, when made etc.  All that and probably more can be read from the information presented upon the watch's backplate.  Regards WJP