Movement · Full plate pocket watch movement

Aurora Watch Company 18s 15-jewel pocket watch movement

Partially verified

This is an un-cased 18-size pocket watch movement signed by the Aurora Watch Company of Aurora, Illinois, dating by source attribution to circa 1887. The nickel full-plate movement is catalogued as a hunter stem-wound and lever-set configuration. It is equipped with a micrometer regulator, fifteen jewels, blued screws, and decorative damascening. The plate is engraved 'Aurora Watch Co', 'Aurora Ill.', '15 JEWELS', 'Safety Pinion', and serial number 141869. The reverse retains a white enamel dial with blued steel hands.

Back view of Aurora Watch Company 18s nickel movement No. 141869 showing micrometer regulator and engraved plates — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.antiquesboutique.com
Category: Movement · Full plate pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution: Aurora Watch Co.
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: MA77 (AB-219351)
Source-reported date: c. 1887
Country: United States
Source-reported serial: 141869

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

Movement Architecture and Markings

The item is an un-cased 18-size nickel full-plate pocket watch movement catalogued with measurements of 45.5 mm by 12 mm, including the depth of the balance cock. Engravings on the plate identify the maker and location in cursive script as 'Aurora Watch Co.' and 'Aurora Ill.', along with '15 JEWELS', 'Safety Pinion', and serial number '141869'. The nickel surface is embellished with decorative damascening and fitted with blued screws.

The plate assembly includes a micrometer regulator mounted above the balance cock with an index scale calibrated 'F' and 'S'. Per the listing description, the movement is set up as a hunter stem-wound and lever-set mechanism, and it is offered without a winder or case.

Evidence for this section

“the nickel full plate movement has a micrometer regulator and is decorated with damascening.”
“The movement is signed “Aurora Watch Co, Aurora Ill, 15 Jewels” # 141869”
“The movement measures 45.5mm x 12mm (inc depth of balance cock)”
“This is a hunter stem wound / lever set movement – no winder included”
“Engraved with serial number '141869', '15 JEWELS', and 'Safety Pinion'”
“Fitted with blued steel screws and a micrometer index regulator with graduated scale marked 'F' and 'S'”

Dial and Hand Assembly

The seller describes the dial side as retaining a white enamel dial signed 'Aurora Watch Co' fitted with a full set of blue steel hands.

Reported dial damage consists of forked hairline cracks at the 3 and 7 o'clock positions, a central hairline crack, and a patched chip at 5 o'clock. As the provided single photograph displays only the movement plate side, these dial features and conditions derive solely from dealer text.

Evidence for this section

“Dial – the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Aurora Watch Co”.”
“forked hairlines on the 3 and 7, a hairline in the centre and a patched chip on the 5”

Condition and Seller Operational Assessment

The movement plates exhibit wear, categorized by the vendor as 'many fine scratches' and rated in '90% mint condition'. The seller reports that the movement possesses a good spring and balance and will tick, but noted that it was sold strictly as-is with no warranty.

The circa 1887 date cited in the listing represents an approximate dealer attribution rather than an independently audited factory ledger record.

Evidence for this section

“The movement has a has a good spring and balance and the movement will tick but is sold as is with no warranty.”
“The movement is in 90% mint condition – many fine scratches”
“18s 15 Jewel AURORA Watch Company movement c1887”

Open research questions

Which specific Aurora Watch Company grade designation corresponds to serial number 141869?
Do Aurora factory records confirm 1887 as the production year for serial 141869?
What style and material were used to execute the patch repair on the dial chip at 5 o'clock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Aurora Watch Company 18s 15-jewel pocket watch movement
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker and Location	Aurora Watch Co, Aurora Ill	“The movement is signed “Aurora Watch Co, Aurora Ill, 15 Jewels” # 141869”
Serial Number	141869	“The movement is signed “Aurora Watch Co, Aurora Ill, 15 Jewels” # 141869”
Jewel Count	15 Jewels	“18s 15 Jewel AURORA Watch Company movement c1887”
Movement Plate Style	Nickel full plate with micrometer regulator and damascening	“the nickel full plate movement has a micrometer regulator and is decorated with damascening.”
Winding and Setting	Hunter stem wound / lever set	“This is a hunter stem wound / lever set movement – no winder included”
Dimensions	45.5mm x 12mm	“The movement measures 45.5mm x 12mm (inc depth of balance cock)”
Dealer Dial Condition Rating	85% mint condition	“The dial is in 85% mint condition – forked hairlines on the 3 and 7, a hairline in the centre and a patched chip on the 5”
Stock Identifier	MA77 (AB-219351)	“Code MA77 (AB-219351)”

Visible details

Full-plate nickel movement engraved with cursive script reading 'Aurora Watch Co.' and 'Aurora Ill.'
Engraved with serial number '141869', '15 JEWELS', and 'Safety Pinion'
Fitted with blued steel screws and a micrometer index regulator with graduated scale marked 'F' and 'S'
Wavy zigzag damascening pattern visible across the lower plate section

Research qualifications

Sold as an un-cased movement without case or winder; source notes fine scratches across the plates
Source reports condition issues on dial including forked hairlines at 3 and 7, a center hairline, and a patched chip at 5

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

Consulted source

18s 15 Jewel AURORA Watch Company movement c1887 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f68d20118f

Terms in this record

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