Triple Signed Howard Series O Railroad Pocket Watch c.1913 | 23 Jewel, 16 Size

The Howard Series O represents an important chapter in American railroad watchmaking, combining sophisticated mechanical construction with the practical requirements of precision timekeeping during the early twentieth century.

Details:

MAKE

Manufacturer: Howard
Model: Series O
Country: USA
Type: Man’s
Serial #: 1155619
Circa Date: 1913

CASE

Size: 16 Size.

Style: Open Face.

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  (The dial is in Very Good condition)

MOVEMENT

Jewels: 23 Jewels.

Setting: Lever Set.

Escapement: Lever Escapement.

Material: Nickel.

Layout: Bridge Style Layout.

Signed:  Yes.

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

Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the signatures, dial, case surfaces, and movement, as the photographs form an important part of the description.

With its 23-jewel Howard Series O movement, triple-signed presentation, double-sunk porcelain dial, and traditional railroad-watch construction, this is a particularly desirable example for collectors of American railroad watches and high-grade Howard timepieces.

Dating to approximately 1913, it represents an era when dependable railroad timekeeping was essential to the safe and efficient operation of America's expanding railway network.

Howard Series O — A High-Grade American Railroad Watch

The Howard Series O is an important model for collectors of American railroad pocket watches.

Howard watches were known for their quality construction and association with precision timekeeping.

The Series O combined traditional American pocket-watch engineering with features appropriate to demanding railroad service.

This example is equipped with a 23-jewel movement, placing it among the higher-jewel-count mechanical pocket watches of its period.

The combination of the Howard name, Series O designation, and 23-jewel construction makes this watch particularly appealing to collectors seeking high-grade American railroad timepieces.

Triple-Signed Presentation

An especially interesting feature of this watch is its triple-signed presentation.

Collectors frequently use the term triple signed to describe a watch bearing coordinated manufacturer identification on three principal components, commonly the dial, movement, and case.

Such markings can add interest to a vintage watch, particularly when the signatures are appropriate to the manufacturer and production period.

For this Howard, the triple-signed designation is an important part of its collector appeal.

The exact locations and wording of all three signatures should be confirmed from the watch itself.

23-Jewel Nickel Bridge Movement

The movement is one of the principal attractions of this watch.

The Howard Series O movement, serial number 1,155,619, features 23 jewels and an attractive nickel bridge-style layout.

The bridge construction provides a distinctive view of the movement's mechanical components and finishing.

Jewels are used at selected bearing and friction points to reduce wear and support reliable mechanical operation.

The movement features a lever escapement, a design widely used in high-quality American pocket watches.

It remains in M3 – Very Good condition.

Lever-Set Railroad Construction

This Howard uses a lever-setting mechanism, a feature strongly associated with American railroad pocket watches.

Unlike a pendant-set watch, where the crown is pulled outward to adjust the hands, a lever-set watch requires a separate setting lever to be moved into position.

This arrangement helps prevent accidental changes to the time while the watch is being wound or handled.

Lever setting became an important requirement in many railroad timekeeping standards because accurate time indication was essential to safe train operations.

Double-Sunk Porcelain Dial

The watch features a beautiful white double-sunk porcelain dial with bold Arabic numerals and traditional spade hands.

Double-sunk construction creates recessed areas within the dial, typically including the central section and subsidiary seconds register.

This produces additional depth and gives the dial a refined appearance.

The clear Arabic numerals and contrasting hands reflect the emphasis on legibility that characterized American railroad-watch design.

The dial remains in D3 – Very Good condition.

Classic 16 Size Gold-Filled Case

The watch is housed in a traditional 16 Size yellow gold-filled open-face case.

Its plain finish provides a restrained appearance that complements the sophisticated dial and movement.

The open-face configuration allows the time to be read immediately without opening a protective cover.

Gold-filled cases were widely used in American railroad watches, offering the attractive appearance of gold with practical durability.

The case remains in C3 – Very Good condition.

American Railroad Timekeeping in 1913

Dating to approximately 1913, this Howard was manufactured during a period when American railroads depended heavily on accurate personal timepieces.

Before electronic communication and modern centralized signaling systems became widespread, precise timekeeping was essential to coordinating train movements.

Railroad employees were often required to carry watches meeting specific standards for accuracy, construction, and readability.

High-grade pocket watches such as the Howard Series O reflect the importance placed on reliable mechanical timekeeping during this period.

Although this example has the characteristics of a railroad-grade watch, its individual service history has not been documented.