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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch

E. Howard Watch Co. 16s 21J Railroad Chronometer Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by the E. Howard Watch Co. is reported by the dealer to feature a 16-size, 21-jewel nickel bridge movement adjusted to temperature and five positions. According to source details, the movement is signed Series 11 with serial number 1360706, lever set, and fitted with a micrometer regulator. The case is described as Keystone extra white gold-filled, measuring 51 mm wide by 14 mm deep, fitted with milled edging and a distinctive double-bar bow. The visible white enamel dial is signed Howard, showing bold Arabic numerals, an outer minute ring, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.

Dial and front case view of the E. Howard Watch Co. 16-size railroad pocket watch showing the double-bar bow and subsidiary seconds dial.
Dial and front case view of the E. Howard Watch Co. 16-size railroad pocket watch showing the double-bar bow and subsidiary seconds dial. — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch
Maker / attribution
E. Howard Watch Co.
Reference
Series 11
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.237 (AB-127526)
Source-reported date
c. 1919
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
1360706

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 and Exterior Observations

The watch is housed in an open-face case identified by the dealer as a Keystone extra white gold-filled case. The exterior features milled turning patterns on the front and back edges, a plain back finish, and a distinctive double-bar bow.

The rear of the case is reported to feature the engraved initials 'GIF'. The case utilizes a screw-off bezel and back construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Keystone extra white gold filled open face case”
  • “milled turning on the back and front edge”
  • “initials GIF engraved on the back”
  • “The case has a screw off back and bezel.”
  • “The case has the stylish double bar bow.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white enamel dial signed 'Howard'. It is equipped with a set of blued steel hands.

The dial layout includes bold Arabic numerals and an outer minute track. The watch is fitted with a synthetic glass cover.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is signed “Howard””
  • “the white enamel has a full set of blue steel hands”
  • “The watch has a synthetic glass”

Movement and Technical Details

The timepiece is described as a 16-size, 21-jewel nickel bridge movement, identified as Series 11, serial number 1360706. The movement is documented by the dealer as being lever-set and stem-wound, featuring a micrometer regulator.

According to the dealer's description, the movement is adjusted for temperature and five positions and is signed 'E.Howard Watch Co, Railroad Chronometer, Boston, USA'.

Evidence for this section
  • “the high quality nickel bridge movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator”
  • “The movement is signed “E.Howard Watch Co, Railroad Chronometer, Boston, USA, Series 11, 21 Jewels, Railroad adjustment, temperature, 5 positions” # 1360706”
  • “The watch is stem wound / lever set”

Open research questions

  • What are the official production date ranges for E. Howard Series 11 movements?
  • Does the serial number 1360706 correspond to documented E. Howard manufacturing records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Howard Watch Co. 16s 21J Railroad Chronometer Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Serial Number1360706“# 1360706”
Jewel Count21 Jewels“21 Jewels”
Case Type and MaterialKeystone extra white gold filled open face case“Keystone extra white gold filled open face case”
Dimensions51mm wide x 14mm deep“The watch measures 51mm wide x 14mm deep”
Winding and SettingStem wound / lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with bold black Arabic hour numerals and an outer minute track featuring small square five-minute markers.
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock with black calibrations and numerals.
  • Distinctive double-bar bow mounted above the winding crown and pendant.
  • Blued steel hands including a spade-tip hour hand, long minute hand, and subsidiary seconds hand.
  • Milled turning detail visible on the front bezel edge.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back are not visible in the photograph; movement serial number, jewel count, and case markings rely on source description.
  • Engraving of initials 'GIF' on the rear case cannot be visually verified from the single front image.

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

Consulted source

16s 21J E. Howard Watch Co Railroad Chronometer c1919 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 122bf24ea5

Terms in this record

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

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