Pocket Watch Database
Contributor
AIexander
Supporter
Member Since
August 18, 2023
Watches
78
Verifications
1
This Watch Was Admired By:
Auburndale Watch Co. Rotary
Serial #18
Movement Image
Dial Image
Case Exterior Image
Case Markings Image
| Manufacturer | Auburndale Watch Co. |
| Grade | Rotary |
| Serial Number | 18 |
| Size | 18s |
| Model | Rotary |
| Jewel Count | ? |
| Setting | |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Case Material | |
| Case Manufacturer | |
| Case Grade/Model | |
| Case Serial # | |
| Case Details | |
| Dial Material | |
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| Dial Details | This Auburndale Rotary watch is incomplete and made up of parts from serial #18 and #212. These parts were previously owned by NAWCC member Frederick M. Selchow. Both the parts from #18 and #212 are documented in a letter he wrote to NAWCC member James W. Peghiny back in 1971. The parts from #18 were apparently found in Long Island, NY and the parts from #212 came from Newport, RI. Many of the missing parts will most likely need to be fabricated by a skilled watchmaker. I hope to someday get this watch up and running, but for now this is a project watch. The Auburndale Watch Company was founded in 1876 by Jason R. Hopkins and William A. Wales in Auburndale, Massachusetts and is considered the first attempt at the creation of a dollar watch. The very first watch the company produced was invented by Hopkins and known as the "Auburndale Rotary", whose movement revolved once every 2.5 hours. Only around 500 of these Auburndale rotary watches were finished, and most were returned as defective. After the rotary watch, the company re-tooled and launched the Auburndale Timer. In contrast to the Auburndale Rotary, the Timer was a reliable timepiece and was received favorably by the general public. Unfortunately, the sales of the Auburndale Timer were seasonal. During the horse racing season the Timer would sell considerably well. But while in the off-season, the company sales suffered greatly. The company then introduced an 18-size key wind model known as the Lincoln, as well as an 18-size stem-wind, lever-set model known as the Bentley. Although these 7 jewel watches were reliable, they did not return enough of a profit for Auburndale. The company then turned to the production of thermometers, but this was also not enough to sustain the company, leading to the end of the Auburndale Watch Company in 1883. In total, only around 6,000 watches were produced by the company. Jason Hopkins would continue to work as a jeweler and watchmaker until his passing in 1902 at the age of 84. As a side note, he was also responsible for the private label Elgin watch marked "Sun-Dial" which similarly was also a lower quality, 7 jewel movement pocket watch. More information on the Auburndale Watch Company can be found here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29934/29934-h/29934-h.htm |
| Movement Markings | Auburndale Rotary Mass 18 Patents Mar. 30. 1875. July 20. 1875. June 20. 1876. Jan. 30 1877. |
Contributed to the database by AIexander on October 16, 2023.
This collection record was most recently edited on January 28, 2024.
This collection record was most recently edited on January 28, 2024.