EDWARD HOWARD 18K 16-Size 51mm Open Face Rare Prestigious Presentation 23 Jewels Yellow Gold

Description

REMARKS: Super rare and prestigious Edward Howard Presentation Pocket Watch, this is truly a collector’s grail pocket watch.  Even though exact production numbers were not known, by most scholarly estimate and historical accounts around 300pcs Edward Howard Presentation Pocket Watch was produced by E. Howard (also known as Keystone Howard) Watch Co starting from 1912.  The Edward Howard was the highest grade and most expensive pocket watch ever sold by E. Howard (Keystone) Watch Co that the retail price was listed at $350 starting in 1912.  It is quite the unique watch with various features that set it apart from other pocket watches in that era.  First of all when the caseback and dustcover are opened one can see that the jewel bearings are made from ‘oriental blue sapphires’ instead of the common ruby bearings.  Also, the bridges were designed with flairs on the ends that looked similar to talons from birds of prey.  It is also quite rare for a serially produced American watch movement from 1912 to have a free-sprung balance with no regulator.  Much like high grade swiss watches of that era, the Edward Howard also featured wolf teeth winding wheels with extra fine sandblasted finish.  Case in 18K solid gold with a white porcelain dial that is simply marked with ‘EDWARD HOWARD’, this watch serves as a testament to the prowess of American watchmaking which makes it a grail watch for many collectors.

CONDITION REPORT: Condition-wise the watch winds, sets and runs.  All of the functions work very well but it was not subjected to timing tests.  Since it has not been serviced we do not make any guarantee on timekeeping accuracy or longevity.  In most cases these watches were heirlooms passed through generations and well taken care of and it just needs basic clean/oil/adjustment to be fully functional.  It is the lone decision and sole responsibility of the end-user with regards to service and maintenance.  Cosmetically for a 110 years old watch this Edward Howard is in fantastic shape.  The dial has only a short and faint hairline crack at the outer edge of the enamel dial between 22-23min marker.  There is a tiny amount of fading to the EDWARD HOWARD text.  All 3 purple colored hands are original and are in great shape.  The solid gold caseback has a very shallow dent near the center-right.  Case band/body has a tiny ding at the 10 o’clock position.  The caseback has been initialized and dustcover has been fully engraved with the original owner’s name and presentation provenance.  Movement is likewise in great shape cosmetically.  The case closes tight and caseback does not exceed the 90 degree angle when opened.  Glass crystal is possibly original and has a fairly large and deep scratch near the center right area with a couple of shorter scratches right above the 4 o’clock position.  The bow is nice and tight.  Diameter is 51mm, total weight 101.5g.  Please do really take advantage of the chance to own one of the historically important pocket watches.