Adams & Perry No. 3 20-Jewel "Lancaster Watch", Serial No. 1369
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1876
This pocket watch movement represents an early design produced by the Adams & Perry Watch Company, which was organized in 1874. According to the source, the model was designed by Edwin H.
Perry and incorporates his patented plate construction and stem-setting mechanism. The movement is fitted with twenty jewels, an unusual specification during a period when 15 jewels were considered fully jeweled. The source reports that while frequently described as 19-size, its pillar plate measures slightly over 46 mm without the dial, closely matching the E. Howard & Co. 'N' size. It features a friction-fit snap-on dial secured by a metal perimeter ring.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Open-face pocket watch movement
- Jewel count
- 20 jewels
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker organization
- Organized in 1874
- Maker / attribution
- Adams & Perry Watch Company
- Pillar plate measurement
- Just over 46mm without dial
- Outer diameter with dial ring
- Approximately 46.67mm
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt movement plate engraved '1369 / Lancaster Watch / PENNA.' • Engraved balance cock with index regulator and bimetallic balance wheel • Blued steel screws and screwed jewel settings across the plate • Mounted in a display case with the pendant, crown, and bow positioned at the bottom on a clear stand
- Plate Sizing and Dial Mount
- Although commonly cataloged in modern sources as a 19-size, the source states that the pillar plate measures just over 46 mm without the dial. This measurement aligns closely with E. Howard & Co.'s standard "N" size of the era, which the source suggests was likely an intentional choice to position the watch as a competitor. The watch features a snap-on dial that is friction-fit to the pillar plate by means of a dedicated metal ring. The source notes that the extra material from this dial ring increases the movement's outer diameter to approximately 46.67 mm.
- Identity and Manufacturer Context
- This movement is described by the source as an Adams & Perry No. 3 20-jewel "Lancaster Watch", dating to circa 1876. The Adams & Perry Watch Company was organized in 1874, and the model was designed by Edwin H. Perry, characterized by his patented plate design and stem-setting mechanism. The movement plate itself is engraved with the serial number and origin: "1369 / Lancaster Watch / PENNA." The company operated only briefly before reorganizing as the Lancaster Watch Company in 1877. According to the source, many movements were left unfinished at the time of reorganization, prompting the successor enterprise to market these premium movements for several subsequent years.
- Visible Characteristics and Observation Limits
- Visually, the movement is mounted in a display case resting on a clear stand, positioned with the pendant, crown, and bow at the bottom. The gilt movement plate is fitted with blued steel screws and screwed jewel settings, while an engraved balance cock holds an index regulator and a bimetallic balance wheel. The source notes the movement was fitted with 20 jewels, an unusually high count at a time when 15 jewels were considered "fully jeweled." Because only the movement side is visible in this photograph, the dial, hands, and the snap-on dial ring cannot be observed directly. Additionally, the designation "No. 3" is not engraved on the visible plate and is known solely from the source's documentation.
Identification
- Reference
- No. 3
- Serial number
- 1369
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The dial and front of the watch are not visible in this view.
- Research required: Serial number 1369 is engraved directly on the plate, while 'No. 3' is the model designation reported by the source.