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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Triangular Masonic pocket watch

Hiram Watch Inc. triangular Masonic pocket watch

Partially verified

This Hiram Watch Inc. triangular Masonic pocket watch, numbered 191, dates to approximately 1923. It features a 14K gold, two-body case with an overall length of 58 mm including the pendant. The case back is decorated with a representation of Solomon's Temple surrounded by Masonic symbols, while the band also incorporates Masonic iconography. The top portion of the triangular frame features an eye of Providence motif, and the front bezel is adorned with engraved Masonic tools. The dark blue painted dial displays gold Masonic symbols in place of standard numerals and includes an outer minute track. The watch is powered by a 28 mm, 12 1/2''' rhodium-plated Waltham movement containing 16 jewels. The mechanism employs a straight line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a Breguet balance spring. The watch is accompanied by its original fitted leather box.

Front view of the Hiram Watch Inc. triangular 14K gold Masonic pocket watch with dark blue dial and Hiram logo.
Front view of the Hiram Watch Inc. triangular 14K gold Masonic pocket watch with dark blue dial and Hiram logo. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Triangular Masonic pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hiram Watch Inc.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
309
Source-reported date
circa 1923
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
191

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 Dial Design

The watch is housed in a unique triangular two-body 14K gold case. The reverse of the case is decorated with an image of Solomon's Temple, which is encircled by various Masonic symbols. These symbols extend along the band of the watch. The apex of the triangular case features an eye of Providence, and the front bezel incorporates decorative Masonic tools. The overall length of the case, measured including the pendant, is 58 mm.

The dial is finished in dark blue paint, providing a contrast to the gold-toned elements. Instead of traditional numerals, the dial utilizes gold-colored Masonic symbols to indicate the hours. An outer track marks the minutes. Time is indicated by gold hands set with paste stones.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. two-body, back centered with the Solomon's Temple with Masonic symbols around and on the band, top with the eye of the Providence, front bezel decorated with Masonic tools.”
  • “D. gold painted in dark blue, gold Masonic symbols for the numerals, outer minute track. Gold paste-set arrow hands.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is powered by a rhodium-plated movement measuring 28 mm (12 1/2'''). It is signed by Waltham and bears the movement number 22331813. The caliber features 16 jewels and utilizes a standard straight line lever escapement.

Precision in the movement is regulated by a cut bimetallic compensation balance paired with a Breguet balance spring. The auction description notes that the movement currently requires an overhaul.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 28 mm. (12 1/2'''), rhodium-plated, 16 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring.”
  • “Movement signed Waltham.”

Historical Context and Provenance

According to the auction records, this watch is based on a design for which George J. Keller of Newark, NJ, received a United States patent on July 24, 1923. The records indicate that Keller manufactured only a limited number of these timepieces.

Approximately two years after the patent was issued, a similar design was patented by Theophile Schwab Loeillet, operating as the Tempor Watch Co in Geneva. Loeillet produced silver watches based on this later patent that competed with the Keller design.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is based on a design patented in the USA on July 24, 1923, by George J. Keller of Newark, NJ.”
  • “Two years later Theophile Schwab Loeillet from Geneva (Tempor Watch Co), patented a similar design and made silver watches which successfully competed with Keller's.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Masonic symbols are represented as the hour numerals on the dial?
  • Are there records detailing the total number of triangular watches produced by Hiram Watch Inc.?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hiram Watch Inc. triangular Masonic pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHiram Watch Inc.“Hiram Watch Inc., USA”
Serial number191“No. 191”
Movement makerWaltham“movement by Waltham”
Movement serial number22331813“No. 22331813”
Case material14K gold“14K gold keyless triangular Masonic watch”
Movement size28 mm (12 1/2''')“M. 28 mm. (12 1/2''')”
Jewel count16 jewels“16 jewels”
Patent historyGeorge J. Keller, July 24, 1923“design patented in the USA on July 24, 1923, by George J. Keller of Newark, NJ”

Visible details

  • Triangular watch case shape with pendant at the apex
  • Dark blue dial with gold-colored Masonic symbols for hour markers
  • Gold arrow-shaped hands inset with paste stones
  • Detailed engraving on the gold case surface featuring architectural and Masonic motifs

Research qualifications

  • The auction description recommends an overhaul for the movement.
  • The specific production quantities are described only as 'very few'.

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

Consulted source

Hiram Watch Inc., USA, No. 191, movement by WalthamNo. 22331813, circa 1923.Fine and rare, 14K gold keyless triangular Masonic watch in original leather fitted box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6d304d0538

Terms in this record

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