The images below show an example of a private label watch with the jeweler’s name “Frank E. In some instances, the name on the dial was not a recognized maker but displayed a private label. Ball Railroad Watch with Illinois movement.
Most are accessible by opening a screw off or snap open case back. Most American watches will have the maker’s name on the dial of the watch and the movement. The mid-1800s saw the rise of mass manufacture watches from the United States (Elgin, Hamilton, Waltham, Illinois, South Bend, and others). Most of the cases were easily opened and identified. These watches have their maker proudly displayed on the dial and the movement. Well-known makers manufactured timepieces of quality. The wheels and plates were manufactured by individual shops and sent out to be assembled by jewelers or individuals. Many were cottage industry “generic” watches. Lever and cylinder escapement pocket watches (non-Fusee) were produced in abundance throughout Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries. Carefully sliding a lever will remove the dust cover gaining access to the movement for identification. These early movements used a mechanism called a chain-driven “fusee.” These typically had two cases, an outer shell and an inter case that swings out, exposing the dust cover. Watches from the 1700s-1800s will usually have the origin and name of the maker engraved on the movement (the movement is the inside workings of the watch). Early verge fusee pocket watch movement with maker engraved on the plate.
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