Pocket Watch Database

Due to the lack of existing factory records, our E. Howard Watch Co. (Keystone) database has been reconstructed using observations of known watches.
As a result, the information may contain inaccuracies. Please let us know if you have details that can improve the database.

From the American Horology Archive:
E. Howard Watch Co. (Keystone) Grade Series 9 Pocket Watch

E. Howard Watch Co. (Keystone)

Grade: Series 9

Manufacturer: E. Howard Watch Co. (Keystone)
Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Movement Serial Number: 991238
Grade: Series 9
Model: 1905
Estimated Production Year: 1911
Run Quantity: 500
Grade/Model Run: 10 of 15
Grade/Model Total Production: 16,610
Variant Est. Production: 11,000 (16S-M1905-17J-ONP)
Size: 16s
Jewels: 17j
Movement Configuration: Openface
Movement Finish: Nickel
Finish Pattern: Checkerboard
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Double Roller: Yes
Hairspring: Breguet
Adjusted: Yes
Adjusted # of Positions: 3
Adjusted to Temperature: Yes
Adjusted to Isochronism: Yes
Railroad Grade: No
Dial Feet Locations: 10.7, 24.3, 48.9
U.S. Patents: 781263, 796162, 886387, 900183, 992013, 971496, 978612, 981667
Case: Various
Run ID: 119.G10.16S97.161905M85.O65.P96.17J91
Database Version: v52.219
Advanced Metrics
PWDB Absolute Rarity Index:
Scoped for Grade/Size/Model/Configuration
34.43
PWDB Relative Rarity Index:
Rarity within Manufacturer - Scoped for Grade/Size/Model/Configuration
115.02
Share of Production:
Share within Manufacturer - Scoped for Grade/Size/Model/Configuration
2.226%
Registry Population: 14 (2.80%)
Research Note: #991445: Reported as Lever-Set. #991238: Verified as Lever-Set (charateristic of Series 4) with brass balance screws (charateristic of Series 9) instead of gold (charateristic of Series 4).

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Verification Reports for this Run

The following reports have been graciously submitted by dedicated members in reference to this production run. These reports are useful to verify data and track inaccuracies that require further research. Please note that reports may contain inaccurate information or assumptions that must be dilligently considered with other available sources.


Anonymous · December 1, 2019

Serial Number 991411 was reported as accurate.

Anonymous · May 1, 2019

Serial Number 991347 was reported as accurate.

esoxhunter Top Contributor Supporter 127 · February 28, 2019

Serial Number 991238 was reported as inaccurate.

Note: I stand corrected on the balance screws. I took a
closer look under magnification, and only the
meantime screws are gold - the others are brass.
You have a really good eye.
I'd be interested to know if anyone else reports
a lever-set watch with with series 4/9
demaskeening and brass balance screws.
Curator Response: Thanks for the followup. The Keystone Howards are certainly an area of active ongoing research, and we can expect more clarification to be revealed over time.

esoxhunter Top Contributor Supporter 127 · December 26, 2018

Serial Number 991238 was reported as inaccurate.

Note: Also, take a look at the demaskeen pattern on my
watch. It seems a bit different than the
checkerboard on my Series 9 watches. Interesting
. . .
Curator Response: I agree that the damaskeening pattern appears to be different than on the #984761 movement. However, it is consistent with other Series 4 and Series 9 movements. The #984761 pattern is unusual compared to other movements.

esoxhunter Top Contributor Supporter 127 · December 26, 2018

Serial Number 991238 was reported as inaccurate.

Note: Thanks much for the input. I'm not entirely sure
that the balance screws are brass. My
understanding was that the Series 9 maintained the
gold meantime screws but added brass weighting
screws. Both the meantime and weighting screws on
my watch are identical in color and are different
in color than the brass train wheels. If they are
all brass, perhaps someone mined the gold and
replaced them?
Curator Response: From the images, it appears the meantime screws are gold and the remaining balance screws are brass, which would be consistent with the Series 9 designation. Though, analyzing metal tone in photographs can lead to erroneous conclusions. Having it in hand, you would be much more qualified to evaluate this trait.

esoxhunter Top Contributor Supporter 127 · December 18, 2018

Serial Number 991238 was reported as inaccurate.

Note: This a Series 4, not a Series 9. It is a lever
set watch with exterior circular demaskeening, not
checkerboard as on the Series 9. See NAWCC "E
Howard Watch Co." Encyclopedia article. Series 9
were pendant set ONLY; Series 4 Open Face were
lever (or pendant) set. This is a lever set watch
so by definition it is a Series 4. I believe
this to be an important distinction because Series
4 watches are adjusted to 5 positions whereas
Series 9 are adjusted to 3 positions. Series 4
watches are more scarce than Series 9.


Curator Response: Thanks for the report and images. Since the Series 4 and Series 9 feature the same damaskeening pattern and markings, it is important to analyze the other features. Interestingly, your watch has distinguishing characteristics of both the Series 4 and Series 9. While all known catalog descriptions of the Series 9 indicate the watch was only offered as pendant-set, the brass balance screws are generally considered a trait of the Series 9 after being downgraded from the gold balance screws fitted in the Series 4. Serial #991445 has been observed as lever-set as well, but the balance screw material is unknown. It is an important distinction, and additional examples will assist in better insight with this range. Since this production falls within the logical transitional period between the Series 4 and 9, I would temporarily consider it as a hybrid. I have noted your example in the research notes for future evaluation.
E. Howard Watch Co. (Keystone) Grade Series 9 Pocket Watch