Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

E. Howard Watch Co. 12-size open-face pocket watch

Partially verified

This 12-size open-face pocket watch is attributed to the E. Howard Watch Co. and dated to circa 1913 by the seller. The piece features a gold-plated case measuring 45 mm in diameter by 10 mm thick with a hinged bezel, inner dome, and back cover. The white enamel dial is inscribed 'HOWARD' and features Arabic numerals, pierced blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. According to dealer documentation, it is powered by a stem-wound and stem-set 17-jewel nickel bridge movement fitted with a lever escapement and micrometer regulator, signed with movement number 1226155.

Front view of the E. Howard 12-size open-face pocket watch
Front view of the E. Howard 12-size open-face pocket watch — Atlam Watches via Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
E. Howard Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA121 (AB-231590)
Source-reported date
c1913
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
1226155

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

Case Construction and Exterior Form

The pocket watch is housed in an open-face, yellow gold-toned case reported as gold plated, measuring 45 mm in width by 10 mm in depth. Dealer documentation notes that the case structure includes a hinged inner cover, back cover, and bezel. In visual inspection, the case features an angular bow situated directly above the winding crown.

According to dealer documentation, the inner cover is signed 'E Howard Watch Co, Boston'. The exterior of the rear cover is noted to feature an initialled diamond-shaped crest, while the remainder of the case exhibits a smooth, plain finish.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 45mm wide x 10mm deep”
  • “the movement comes in a gold plated open face case, which has a hinged inner, back cover and bezel.”
  • “Open-face yellow gold-toned case with an angular bow above the winding crown.”
  • “The inner cover is signed “E Howard Watch Co, Boston”  The case has a initialled diamond shaped crest on the back cover.”
  • “The rest of the case has a smooth plain finish and is in 90% mint condition – light marks only.”

Dial and Hands

Visible observation shows a white enamel dial bearing the inscription 'HOWARD' below the 12 o'clock position, framed by black Arabic numerals and an outer minute track. A recessed subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.

The dial is fitted with blued steel hands displaying pierced diamond accents. The seller records that the watch retains a mineral glass crystal and notes condition flaws including scratches on the glass and hairlines across the centre of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial inscribed 'HOWARD' with black Arabic numerals and minute track.”
  • “Recessed subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.”
  • “Blued steel hands featuring pierced diamond accents.”
  • “The dial is signed “Howard” and is in 70% mint condition – hairlines in the centre”
  • “The watch has a mineral glass – this has some scratches”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The movement is not visible in the provided photograph. The seller describes the mechanism as an American 12-size, 17-jewel nickel bridge movement configured with a lever escapement and a micrometer regulator, operated by stem winding and stem setting.

According to the listing transcription, the movement is signed 'E Howard Watch Co, Boston, USA, 17 Jewels, Adjusted, No 1226155'. The seller dates the piece to circa 1913 and lists it as functioning and keeping time, though sold unserviced without warranty in their restoration category.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is a 12 size 17 Jewel American pocket watch”
  • “Movement – the nickel bridge movement has a lever escapement and a micrometer regulator. The movement is signed “E Howard Watch Co, Boston, USA, 17 Jewels, Adjusted, No 1226155.”
  • “The watch is stem wound / stem set”
  • “12 size 17 Jewel E. Howard Watch Co pocket watch. c1913”
  • “The watch is working and keeping good time but has not been cleaned or serviced and is sold with no warranty or guarantees”

Open research questions

  • What specific initials are monogrammed within the diamond-shaped crest on the case back?
  • What case manufacturer marks, serial numbers, or gold-fill warranty stamps appear on the interior of the case back or cuvette?
  • Which Howard Series designation or bridge layout corresponds to movement number 1226155?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Howard Watch Co. 12-size open-face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Jewel count17 jewels“17 Jewels, Adjusted”
Movement number1226155“No 1226155”
Dimensions45mm wide x 10mm deep“The watch measures 45mm wide x 10mm deep”
Winding and settingStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”
Dealer stock codeWA121 (AB-231590)“Code WA121 (AB-231590)”
Case back decorationInitialled diamond-shaped crest“The case has a initialled diamond shaped crest on the back cover.”
Inner cover signatureE Howard Watch Co, Boston“The inner cover is signed “E Howard Watch Co, Boston””
Crystal materialMineral glass“The watch has a mineral glass – this has some scratches”
Movement adjustmentsAdjusted“17 Jewels, Adjusted, No 1226155.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial inscribed 'HOWARD' with black Arabic numerals and minute track.
  • Recessed subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.
  • Open-face yellow gold-toned case with an angular bow above the winding crown.
  • Blued steel hands featuring pierced diamond accents.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back interior are described in text but not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Seller notes central hairlines on the dial and scratches on the mineral glass.

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

Consulted source

12 size 17 Jewel E. Howard Watch Co pocket watch. c1913 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 6bb6d2b9b0

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records