Howard Series 10 Railroad Pocket Watch c.1911 | 21 Jewel | 16 Size | Lever Set

The Series 10 was designed specifically to meet the demanding requirements of railroad service, where precise timekeeping was essential for the safe operation of trains. Howard's uncompromising standards made its watches favorites among railroad professionals, and today they are prized by collectors for both their quality and historical significance.

This example is housed in a 16 Size yellow gold-filled open-face swing-out case, a design that allows the movement to be easily accessed for servicing while securely protecting it during everyday use. The clean, plain case reflects the practical nature of a professional railroad watch and remains in very good condition.

The watch features a classic white double-sunk porcelain dial with bold Arabic numerals, a precise railroad minute track, and elegant blued spade hands. This watch is fitted with a later replacement dial, a common and historically correct feature on many railroad watches that remained in active service for decades. Railroad inspectors frequently required worn or damaged dials to be replaced to maintain maximum legibility and compliance with railroad standards.

Powering the watch is Howard's beautifully finished 21 jewel nickel movement, constructed in a traditional full-plate layout and equipped with a lever-set mechanism. Howard full-plate movements are widely admired for their robust construction, elegant finishing, and exceptional reliability. Their precision and durability helped establish Howard as one of America's premier manufacturers of railroad-grade timepieces.

Today, the Howard Series 10 remains one of the most sought-after railroad pocket watches, admired for its engineering excellence, historical importance, and distinctive place in American horology.

Details:

MAKE

Manufacturer: Howard
Model: Ser. 10
Country: USA
Type: Man’s
Serial #: 1150885
Circa Date: 1911

CASE

Size: 16 Size.

Style: Open Face, swing-out style.

Material: Yellow gold filled.

Decorations:  Plain.

Conditions:  C  3  (The case is in Very Good condition)

DIAL

Color: White.

Type: Double sunk porcelain dial.

Numerals: Arabic Numerals.

Hands: Spade Hands.

Conditions:  D  3-36  (The dial is in Very Good condition – later dial)

MOVEMENT

Jewels: 21 Jewels.

Setting: Lever Set.

Escapement: Lever Escapement.

Material: Nickel.

Layout: Full Plate Layout.

Signed:  Yes.

Conditions:  M  3  (The movement is in Very Good condition)

Condition

This Howard Series 10 railroad pocket watch remains in very good antique condition.

• Yellow gold-filled swing-out case shows honest vintage wear while retaining an attractive appearance.
• Double-sunk porcelain dial remains in very good condition and is a later railroad service replacement.
• Signed 21 jewel full-plate movement is clean and well preserved.
• Lever-setting mechanism operates as designed.
• Swing-out case opens and closes properly for easy access to the movement.
• Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent the watch's condition.

Why Collect Howard Railroad Watches?

The E. Howard Watch Company occupies a special place in American horology. Unlike the larger mass-production manufacturers, Howard emphasized meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, producing some of the highest-quality pocket watches ever made in the United States.

The Series 10 is especially desirable among collectors because it represents one of Howard's premier railroad-grade models. Its 21 jewel full-plate movement, lever-set operation, and exceptional finishing reflect the company's uncompromising commitment to accuracy and reliability.

This example also features a later railroad service dial, an authentic characteristic commonly found on watches that remained in active railroad service. Replacement dials were installed during inspections to maintain readability and ensure continued compliance with railroad regulations, making them an important part of the watch's working history.

For collectors of American railroad watches, the Howard Series 10 stands alongside the finest models produced by Hamilton, Illinois, Waltham, and Elgin, making it an outstanding addition to any serious collection.