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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Watch movement

Hampden Watch Co. Special Railway 23-Jewel Movement

Partially verified

This object is a 23-jewel watch movement produced by the Hampden Watch Co. in Canton, Ohio. The movement is marked "Special Railway" and includes the manufacturer's name. It is accompanied by a white porcelain dial featuring bold black Arabic numerals for the hours and a small seconds subdial positioned above the six o'clock marker. The movement plates exhibit decorative patterned finishes and engravings identifying the manufacturer and city of origin. The assembly is described as running by the auction house, although the condition of the porcelain dial is noted to have minor cracks. The serial number 1055159 is engraved on the movement bridge. The auction house does not verify the operational status of the movement despite the initial report.

View of the Hampden watch movement from the rear, showing the engraved bridges and serial number 1055159.
View of the Hampden watch movement from the rear, showing the engraved bridges and serial number 1055159. — Pasadena Auction House (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Movement · Watch movement
Maker / attribution
Hampden Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2011
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
1055159

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 and Technical Features

The movement is a 23-jewel calibre manufactured by the Hampden Watch Co. in Canton, Ohio. The mechanism is identified by the engraved inscription "Special Railway" across the top bridge, indicating its designation for specific timekeeping service. The plates are decorated with a repeating pattern and feature the serial number 1055159.

Technical components visible include the balance wheel assembly, the train wheels, and the jewel settings. The auction description notes that the movement is running, although this is based on information from consignors rather than independent verification by the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “Running 23-jewel movement from Hampden Watch Co.”
  • “featuring "Special Railway" engraved on the mechanism.”
  • “manufactured in Canton, Ohio.”

Dial and Visual Presentation

The watch movement is fitted with a white porcelain dial. It features bold, dark-colored Arabic numerals for the primary hour track. A small seconds subdial is integrated at the base of the dial, marked with indices for the seconds.

The dial shows signs of wear, specifically described as minor cracks across the surface of the porcelain material.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial displays bold black numerals with a small seconds subdial, accompanied by a porcelain face with minor cracks.”

Condition and Attribution

The object is sold in 'as is' condition as stated by the auction house. The attribution of the item as a Hampden Watch Co. product is consistent with the markings found on the movement plates and the dial signature.

The condition report provided by the auction house is framed as a general opinion.

Evidence for this section
  • “All items, along with their descriptions and provenance, are sold "as is," with no returns or refunds.”
  • “Pasadena Antique Auctions provides Condition Reports as a general opinion and does not guarantee that all aspects of a lot”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific date of manufacture for serial number 1055159?
  • Does the movement require a specific type of case for proper operation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hampden Watch Co. Special Railway 23-Jewel Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHampden Watch Co.“Hampden Watch Co. Special Railway 23 Jewels Watch Movement”
Jewel count23“23-jewel movement”
Location of manufactureCanton, Ohio“manufactured in Canton, Ohio.”
Dial materialPorcelain“porcelain face with minor cracks.”
InscriptionsSpecial Railway“featuring "Special Railway" engraved on the mechanism.”

Visible details

  • The porcelain dial features a secondary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position.
  • The movement bridge is engraved with 'Special Railway' and 'Canton, Ohio'.
  • Visible damage includes hairline cracks across the surface of the white porcelain dial.
  • The movement features decorative pattern surfacing on the plates.

Research qualifications

  • The auction house reports the item is 'running' but states they do not guarantee the condition of the lot.
  • The auction house explicitly disclaims status as watch experts.

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

Consulted source

Hampden Watch Co. Special Railway 23 Jewels Watch Movement

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9d713e4729

Terms in this record

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