Component · Friction-fit dial

Adams & Perry Lancaster Watch #1369 Friction-Fit Dial and Movement

Partially verified

This enamel dial and movement assembly from Adams & Perry Lancaster watch #1369 demonstrates the company's uncommon friction-fit dial attachment mechanism. Rather than utilizing conventional dial screws, the white enamel dial is held by a metallic ring that wraps around the outer perimeter of the movement's pillar plate. According to Nathan Moore, the pillar plate measures 46.01 mm in diameter without the dial, expanding to 46.67 mm when the dial ring is fitted. The dial features black Roman numerals and an outer minute track, and is signed 'LANCASTER PA.', which the author associates with finishing during the subsequent Lancaster Watch Company period.

Side profile of Adams & Perry watch #1369 showing the friction-fit dial ring seated on the brass movement pillar plate — Nathan Moore / Pocket Watch Database Blog. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: blog.pocketwatchdatabase.com
Category: Component · Friction-fit dial
Maker / attribution: Adams & Perry Watch Co.
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: circa 1870s
Country: United States
Source-reported serial: 1369

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial Construction and Mounting Mechanism

This assembly from Adams & Perry Lancaster watch #1369 exhibits a friction-fit metal ring attachment rather than standard dial screws. The white enamel dial is surrounded by a metallic collar that encloses the rim and wraps over the outer edge of the movement plate, seating against the exposed brass pillar plate.

Examination of the back of the dial fitted to movement #1369 reveals two copper pins that have been filed down, which the source notes aligns with practices seen on dials of similar construction during the era. While Charles P. Corliss secured an 1879 patent for a similar dial design while developing an interchangeable watch at Elgin, no patents for this dial attachment are known to have been issued to Adams & Perry.

Evidence for this section

“The watches produced by the Adams & Perry factory were issued with dials secured to the movement via a friction-fit metal ring.”
“A silvery metallic collar ring encases the white enamel dial rim and wraps over the edge of the brass movement plate.”
“An inspection of the back of the dial fitted on movement #1369 reveals two copper pins that have been filed down, similar to the practice observed with other dials of similar construction during this era.”
“There are no known patents issued to Adams & Perry for this type of dial attachment. However, Charles P. Corliss secured a patent for a similar dial in 1879 while developing an interchangeable watch during his time at the Elgin National Watch Company .”

Dial Appearance and Historical Context

The dial displays black painted Roman numerals alongside an outer railway-style minute track. A partial black signature reading 'LANCASTER PA.' is angled across the dial face.

Surviving Adams & Perry watches feature dials that are either signed 'LANCASTER PA.' or unsigned. The source author notes that because many of these watches were completed after the Lancaster Watch Company was organized, the 'Lancaster Pa.' dials likely indicate finishing during the subsequent Lancaster era. In contrast, regular Lancaster Watch Company production used dials secured with screws.

Evidence for this section

“The dial face displays black painted Roman numerals with an outer railway-style minute track.”
“A partial black signature reading 'LANCASTER PA.' is visible angled across the right side of the dial.”
“Surviving Adams & Perry watches are found with dials either signed “ LANCASTER PA. ” or unsigned .”
“Since many of these watches were finished after the organization of the Lancaster Watch Company, it is reasonable to conclude the “Lancaster Pa.” dials suggest finishing during the Lancaster era.”
“In contrast to the Adams & Perry production, the Lancaster Watch Company models featured dials attached with screws, more consistent with standard American watches at the time.”

Plate Dimensions and Documentation Limits

Source measurements indicate that the pillar plate of movement #1369 measures 46.01 mm in diameter without the dial, closely matching the diameter of E. Howard 'N Size' movements. With the dial attached, the diameter expands to 46.67 mm due to the perimeter ring material.

Visual documentation in the provided record focuses on the dial edge profile, the bare brass pillar plate edge, the dial reverse, and signature details. Complete movement train layout, escapement specifications, hands, and exact production dates are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section

“The diameter of the pillar plate without the dial is 46.01mm, closely matching the diameter of E. Howard’s “N Size” movements. The diameter expands to 46.67mm with the dial attached due to the extra metal material surrounding the dial.”
“The brass edge of the movement pillar plate is exposed directly behind the silver-colored dial ring.”

Open research questions

Does movement #1369 retain its original matching wheel train and escapement components beneath the pillar plate?
Do company ledgers or serial records clarify whether movement #1369 was assembled before or after the transition from Adams & Perry to the Lancaster Watch Company?
Were the filed-down copper pins on the reverse of the dial originally standard dial feet adapted for the friction-fit ring assembly?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Adams & Perry Lancaster Watch #1369 Friction-Fit Dial and Movement
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Movement Serial Number	1369	“Dial From Adams & Perry Lancaster Watch #1369”
Dial Attachment Method	Friction-fit metal ring	“The watches produced by the Adams & Perry factory were issued with dials secured to the movement via a friction-fit metal ring.”
Pillar Plate Measurements	46.01 mm bare, 46.67 mm with dial ring	“The diameter of the pillar plate without the dial is 46.01mm, closely matching the diameter of E. Howard’s “N Size” movements. The diameter expands to 46.67mm with the dial attached due to the extra metal material surrounding the dial.”
Dial Signature	LANCASTER PA.	“Surviving Adams & Perry watches are found with dials either signed “ LANCASTER PA. ” or unsigned .”
Dial Reverse Characteristics	Two copper pins filed down	“An inspection of the back of the dial fitted on movement #1369 reveals two copper pins that have been filed down, similar to the practice observed with other dials of similar construction during this era.”
Related Dial Patent Precedent	Charles P. Corliss secured an 1879 patent for a similar dial at Elgin	“Charles P. Corliss secured a patent for a similar dial in 1879 while developing an interchangeable watch during his time at the Elgin National Watch Company .”
Lancaster Watch Company Attachment Contrast	Later Lancaster Watch Company models used dial screws	“In contrast to the Adams & Perry production, the Lancaster Watch Company models featured dials attached with screws, more consistent with standard American watches at the time.”

Visible details

A silvery metallic collar ring encases the white enamel dial rim and wraps over the edge of the brass movement plate.
The dial face displays black painted Roman numerals with an outer railway-style minute track.
A partial black signature reading 'LANCASTER PA.' is visible angled across the right side of the dial.
The brass edge of the movement pillar plate is exposed directly behind the silver-colored dial ring.

Research qualifications

The full movement mechanism and hands are not visible in this macro profile photograph.
Dating to the 1870s is based on corporate history and context; the exact year of manufacture is not stated in the source text.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

The Adams & Perry Lancaster Watch: The Friction-Fit Dial - Pocket Watch Database Blog

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f45a39ca87

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.