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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Waterbury Watch Co. Series N Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gents pocket watch is attributed to the Waterbury Watch Co., Connecticut, and dates to circa 1890. It is identified as a Series N watch, a model produced by the manufacturer between 1888 and the mid-1890s. The object features an ornate silver case and a white enamel dial. The dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours and red Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals from 5 to 60. The watch is powered by a stem and button wound spring movement equipped with a duplex escapement and a fast-to-slow regulator scale. The back plate is inscribed with the manufacturer's name and patent information. The item is currently held by Museums Victoria under the registration number ST 23626. It is noted that the watch is not in a complete state, as the photographs and description indicate the presence of loose parts including separate components.

The pocket watch shown with its silver case, movement, and loose components including hands.
The pocket watch shown with its silver case, movement, and loose components including hands. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Waterbury Watch Co.
Reference
Series N
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 23626
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
United States

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 Description

The pocket watch is housed in an ornate silver case. The dimensions are recorded as 3.7 cm in outside diameter with a configuration width of 1.5 cm.

The dial is constructed from white enamel. The hour markers are presented in black Roman numerals. Additionally, red Arabic numerals marking the minutes from 5 to 60 are arranged around the periphery of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ornate silver case.”
  • “White enamel dial has black roman numerals.”
  • “Red arabic numerals 5, 10, 15....60 around dial.”

Movement and Technical Features

The internal mechanism is a stem and button wound spring movement. It utilizes a duplex escapement for timekeeping.

The movement plate features a regulator scale marked for adjustment from fast to slow. The back plate displays specific manufacturer and patent inscriptions related to the Series N production.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stem and button wound spring; duplex escapement.”
  • “Scale fast to slow.”
  • “Back plate is marked 'The Waterbury Watch Co., Patented Series N'”

Historical Context and Acquisition

The Waterbury Watch Co. was founded in 1880 and eventually underwent a reorganization into the New England Watch Co. in 1898. The specific Series N model is documented as having been in production between 1888 and the mid-1890s.

The object was acquired by the museum via purchase and is currently listed under the registration number ST 23626. It is catalogued within the science and measurement collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Waterbury Watch Co was established in 1880 and reorganised as the New England Watch Co in 1898.”
  • “Series N was produced between 1888 and the mid 1890s.”
  • “Registration number: ST 23626”

Open research questions

  • To what extent are the loose components shown in the photograph essential to the function of the movement?
  • Does the serial number or additional movement markings allow for a more precise dating within the 1888-1895 production window?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waterbury Watch Co. Series N Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWaterbury Watch Co.“Waterbury Watch Co”
ModelSeries N“Series N”
Datecirca 1890“circa 1890”
Registration NumberST 23626“ST 23626”
EscapementDuplex“duplex escapement”
Winding MechanismStem and button“Stem and button wound spring”
InscriptionThe Waterbury Watch Co., Patented Series N“Back plate is marked 'The Waterbury Watch Co., Patented Series N'”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals
  • Ornate exterior finish on the silver case
  • Visible movement with regulator scale
  • Loose internal components and hands present

Research qualifications

  • The watch is noted to have loose pieces, indicating it is not in full working order
  • The internal condition and completeness of the movement are not fully specified

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch - Waterbury Watch Co, Series N, circa 1890

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5d4af6293e

Terms in this record

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

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