Pocket watch · Open-face watch

Auburndale Watch Co. 'Auburndale Rotary' Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by the Auburndale Watch Company of Auburndale, Massachusetts, features an Auburndale Rotary movement housed in a base-metal case with a snap back and bezel. The 19-size, stem-wind, lever-set nickel-plate movement incorporates 15 jewels, a lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic balance with gold screws. Its white enamel dial displays the inscription 'H.L. Cortelyou NY' arranged radially in place of traditional hour numerals, paired with blued steel spade and whip hands. Catalogued under serial number 540 and dated circa 1880, the movement exhibits upgraded jeweling and balance work.

Dial and front view of the open-face Auburndale rotary pocket watch — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Pocket watch · Open-face watch
Form: Rotary pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Auburndale Watch Co.
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 469
Source-reported date: circa 1880
Source-reported place: United States
Source-reported serial: 540

Maker profile: Auburndale Watch Company — history, key models and current watchmaking.

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 and Visual Presentation

The pocket watch is configured in an open-face format with a white enamel dial catalogued as a runic style. Radial lettering spelling out 'H.L. Cortelyou NY' replaces standard hour numerals around the dial. Centered on the dial are blued steel spade and whip hands.

Physical condition noted by the cataloguer includes faint hairlines on the dial and loss to the metal rim at the 3 o'clock position. The hands are catalogued as replaced, with oxide present on the minute hand.

Evidence for this section

“runic white enamel dial marked "H.L. Cortelyou NY"”
“Blued steel spade hour hand and whip minute hand centered on the dial.”
“DIAL: Faint hairlines and loss to metal rim, 3:00.”
“HANDS: Replaced; Minute with oxide.”

Case Construction and Prior Housing

The housing is an open-face base-metal case featuring a snap back and bezel, with an observationally noted beaded outer bezel rim framing the crystal.

The auction catalog reports that the case has previously housed another movement. Further condition notes report that the case is dirty, displays minor verdigris, has significant losses to its plating, and has crystals with fine scratches.

Evidence for this section

“base metal, snap back and bezel open face case”
“Open-face base-metal case with a beaded outer bezel rim.”
“CASE: Case has housed another movement; Dirty; Minor verdigris; Significant losses to plating; Crystals with fine scratches.”

Reported Movement and Modifications

The movement is catalogued as an Auburndale Watch Co. 'Auburndale Rotary' pocket watch mechanism, serial number 540, dated circa 1880. The listing describes it as a 19-size, 15-jewel, stem-wind and lever-set nickel-plate movement with a lever escapement and a cut bimetallic balance featuring gold screws.

Modifications are noted in the catalogue description, which states that 'work done to increase the jewel count and upgrade the balance is well executed'. Inspection notes describe the movement plates as having fine scratches, minor spotting, and dirt. Operationally, the movement is reported to be fully wound, gummy, and in need of service, with stiff setting and ticking only briefly.

Evidence for this section

“Auburndale Watch Co., Auburndale, Mass., an "Auburndale Rotary" pocket watch, 19 size, 15 jewel, stem wind and lever set nickel plate movement with lever escapement and cut bimetallic balance with gold screws”
“serial #540”
“The work done to increase the jewel count and upgrade the balance is well executed, circa 1880”
“MOVEMENT PLATES: Fine scratches on plate; Minor spotting; Dirty.”
“MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Will tick briefly; Fully wound; Setting stiff; Movement gummy, needs service.”

Open research questions

What specific marks or modification evidence exist inside the case from the other movement it previously housed?
Does movement serial number 540 exhibit factory or aftermarket markings associated with the jewel upgrade and balance alterations?
Can the name and location 'H.L. Cortelyou NY' on the dial be linked to a known watchmaker, jeweler, or private owner active circa 1880?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Auburndale Watch Co. 'Auburndale Rotary' Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Auburndale Watch Co.	“Auburndale Watch Co., Auburndale, Mass.”
Model	Auburndale Rotary	“an "Auburndale Rotary" pocket watch”
Size and Jewel Count	19 size, 15 jewel	“19 size, 15 jewel”
Dial Inscription	H.L. Cortelyou NY	“runic white enamel dial marked "H.L. Cortelyou NY"”
Serial Number	540	“serial #540”
Movement Modification Note	Work done to increase jewels and upgrade balance	“The work done to increase the jewel count and upgrade the balance is well executed”
Winding and Setting	Stem wind and lever set	“stem wind and lever set nickel plate movement”
Escapement and Balance	Lever escapement with cut bimetallic balance and gold screws	“lever escapement and cut bimetallic balance with gold screws”
Plate Finish	Nickel plate	“nickel plate movement”

Visible details

Open-face base-metal case with a beaded outer bezel rim.
White enamel dial with customized letters spelling out 'H. L. CORTELYOU NY' forming the hour markers.
Blued steel spade hour hand and whip minute hand centered on the dial.

Research qualifications

The auction house notes the hands are replaced.
The catalog record states the case has previously housed another movement.
The movement plates and interior mechanism are not visible in the provided image.

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