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) Question Mark
Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts Question Mark
Movement Serial Number: 991316 Question Mark
Grade: Series 9 Question Mark
Model: 1905 Question Mark
Estimated Production Year: 1908 Question Mark
Run Quantity: 500 Question Mark
Grade/Model Run: 9 of 14 Question Mark
Grade/Model Total Production: 15,610 Question Mark
Variant Est. Production: 1,000 (16S-M1905-17J-ONL) Question Mark
Size: 16s Question Mark
Jewels: 17j Question Mark
Jewel Setting: Gold Settings (Screw-Set) Question Mark
Movement Configuration: Openface Question Mark
Movement Finish: Nickel Question Mark
Finish Pattern: Checkerboard Question Mark
Movement Setting: Lever Question Mark
Plate: 3/4 Plate Question Mark
Double Roller: Yes Question Mark
Regulator: Reed Question Mark
Hairspring: Breguet Question Mark
Standard Dial Type: Double-Sunk Question Mark
Adjusted: Yes Question Mark
Adjusted # of Positions: 3 Question Mark
Adjusted to Temperature: Yes Question Mark
Adjusted to Isochronism: Yes Question Mark
Dial Feet Locations: 10.7, 24.3, 48.9 Question Mark
U.S. Patents: 781263, 796162, 886387, 900183, 992013, 971496, 978612, 981667 Question Mark
Movement Markings: E. Howard Watch Co.
Boston U.S.A.
Adjusted
17 Jewels
Pat'd '05
Case: Various Question Mark
Run ID: 130.G9.16S104.161905M91.O74.L10.17J97 Question Mark
Database Version: v52.518 Question Mark
Advanced Metrics
PWDB Absolute Rarity Index:
Scoped for Grade/Size/Model/Configuration
34.62 Question Mark
PWDB Relative Rarity Index:
Rarity within Manufacturer - Scoped for Grade/Size/Model/Configuration
121.72 Question Mark
Share of Production:
Share within Manufacturer - Scoped for Grade/Size/Model/Configuration
2.199% Question Mark
Registry Population:
Scoped for This Run Only
14 (2.80%) Question Mark
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.


PHIL1199 Supporter 1159 · August 7, 2024

Serial Number 991239 was reported as accurate.

Anonymous · December 1, 2019

Serial Number 991411 was reported as accurate.

Changes since this report was submitted:
Movement Setting changed from Pendant to Lever

Anonymous · May 1, 2019

Serial Number 991347 was reported as accurate.

Changes since this report was submitted:
Movement Setting changed from Pendant to Lever

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.
Changes since this report was submitted:
Movement Setting changed from Pendant to Lever

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.
Changes since this report was submitted:
Movement Setting changed from Pendant to Lever

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.
Changes since this report was submitted:
Movement Setting changed from Pendant to Lever

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.
Changes since this report was submitted:
Movement Setting changed from Pendant to Lever
E. Howard Watch Co. (Keystone) Grade Series 9 Pocket Watch