American Mass-Production Watch Movements Explored

tick tock doctor · 2013-04-02T18:40:00Z

Discover the intricate beauty of American mass-produced watch movements, with detailed photos and insights into historical craftsmanship and innovations.

tick tock doctor

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

23 replies5319 views17 photos

Tick Tock Doctor provides a fascinating visual exploration of American mass-produced watch movements, showcasing intricate details often overlooked. His post highlights the craftsmanship and engineering of these historical pieces, inviting readers to appreciate the 'nice decoration' within.

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Nice decoration, don't you think?

Mainspring barrel with lid removed. (blue mainspring)

Pallet

Thanks for looking

Key Points from the Discussion

A fellow collector shares images of his grand grandfather's Waltham pocket watch, highlighting the enduring quality and historical significance of American movements.
The author provides a detailed explanation and images of a Hamilton movement, specifically demonstrating a 'safety pinion' design feature.
The 'safety pinion' is a design where the center wheel's pinion is threaded onto the shaft, allowing it to unscrew harmlessly if the mainspring breaks, preventing further damage.
The Hamilton 985 movement, particularly in a sterling cushion case, is recommended for its gorgeous movement and ideal wrist size, despite its rarity.
The longevity of old US pocket watches is a testament to the skills of American manufacturers in balancing accuracy and aesthetics.
The practice of Swiss companies imitating American watches in the past serves as a historical lesson on market dynamics and the impermanence of industry dominance.
Some collectors object to the reuse of pocket watch movements in modern cases, especially those purporting to be military pieces from Eastern Europe.
The post highlights the historical issue of 'faux' American watches, where movements were rebranded to appear American, even by Swiss manufacturers.

The Discussion

G99

Apr 3, 2013

the American brands pretty much perfected mass production

whilst keeping accuracy and looks at the top of the agenda. it is a testament to their skills that there are still so many old US pocket watches available for sale worldwide. its a real shame that the industry died out, but Roland Murphy is doing his best to rekindle the love for US made in house calibres. thanks for the pictorial, its good to see what happens inside the case. best Graham

aaronm

Apr 3, 2013

I think the Swiss gave the best tribute...

To the US Industry of the time, by pretending their watches were American! I can't count the number of faux Waltham 1892 movements with names like "Worcester Watch Co" or "P. S. Barzlett" I've seen, even 100 years later The pinnacle, for shameless, might be this ad: ~aaronm A

amerix

Apr 3, 2013

Swiss "fac-simulties" of american watches

or even fakes? That warms the cockles of my heart. - and the cynicism of my boots were made for walking - and for trains! amerix This message has been edited by amerix on 2013-04-03 10:35:40 This message has been edited by amerix on 2013-04-03 10:42:06 This message has been edited by amerix on 2013-04-03 10:52:26 This message has been edited by amerix on 2013-04-03 10:53:40

G99

Apr 3, 2013

I think thats a classic...

I think thats a classic Aaron. The swiss copying the Americans :) G On 3 Apr 2013 16:06, "www watchprosite" *Alert from:* www:watchprosite > *Posted By:* aaronm (registered) on April 3rd, 2013 - 08:06 > > *Title: I think the Swiss gave the best tribute... > * > > *

Mostel

Apr 9, 2013

My thoughts are

how interesting/sad/ fascinating it is when companies at the top of their game--make a few missteps and wham... dust-bin of history. Can you imagine JLC imitating an American watch company today??? Or any Swiss manufacture? Lesson: you never know how long your position at the top will last, so don't be arrogant! Shrug.

Mark in Paris

Apr 3, 2013

Nice old stripping ...

and my grand grandfather's Waltham says hello to yours (after serving in old steamtrain driving) Thanks for sharing :) Cheers, Mark

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