Aurora Watch Company 18s 15-jewel pocket watch movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1887
This is an un-cased 18-size pocket watch movement signed by the Aurora Watch Company of Aurora, Illinois, dating by source attribution to circa 1887. The nickel full-plate movement is catalogued as a hunter stem-wound and lever-set configuration.
It is equipped with a micrometer regulator, fifteen jewels, blued screws, and decorative damascening. The plate is engraved 'Aurora Watch Co', 'Aurora Ill.', '15 JEWELS', 'Safety Pinion', and serial number 141869. The reverse retains a white enamel dial with blued steel hands.
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
- Full plate pocket watch movement
- Dimensions
- 45.5mm x 12mm
- Jewel Count
- 15 Jewels
- Serial Number
- 141869
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker and Location
- Aurora Watch Co, Aurora Ill
- Maker / attribution
- Aurora Watch Co.
- Winding and Setting
- Hunter stem wound / lever set
- Movement Plate Style
- Nickel full plate with micrometer regulator and damascening
Design
- Visible features
- • Full-plate nickel movement engraved with cursive script reading 'Aurora Watch Co.' and 'Aurora Ill.' • Engraved with serial number '141869', '15 JEWELS', and 'Safety Pinion' • Fitted with blued steel screws and a micrometer index regulator with graduated scale marked 'F' and 'S' • Wavy zigzag damascening pattern visible across the lower plate section
- Dial and Hand Assembly
- The seller describes the dial side as retaining a white enamel dial signed 'Aurora Watch Co' fitted with a full set of blue steel hands. Reported dial damage consists of forked hairline cracks at the 3 and 7 o'clock positions, a central hairline crack, and a patched chip at 5 o'clock. As the provided single photograph displays only the movement plate side, these dial features and conditions derive solely from dealer text.
- Movement Architecture and Markings
- The item is an un-cased 18-size nickel full-plate pocket watch movement catalogued with measurements of 45.5 mm by 12 mm, including the depth of the balance cock. Engravings on the plate identify the maker and location in cursive script as 'Aurora Watch Co.' and 'Aurora Ill.', along with '15 JEWELS', 'Safety Pinion', and serial number '141869'. The nickel surface is embellished with decorative damascening and fitted with blued screws. The plate assembly includes a micrometer regulator mounted above the balance cock with an index scale calibrated 'F' and 'S'. Per the listing description, the movement is set up as a hunter stem-wound and lever-set mechanism, and it is offered without a winder or case.
- Condition and Seller Operational Assessment
- The movement plates exhibit wear, categorized by the vendor as 'many fine scratches' and rated in '90% mint condition'. The seller reports that the movement possesses a good spring and balance and will tick, but noted that it was sold strictly as-is with no warranty. The circa 1887 date cited in the listing represents an approximate dealer attribution rather than an independently audited factory ledger record.
Identification
- Serial number
- 141869
- 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: Sold as an un-cased movement without case or winder; source notes fine scratches across the plates
- Research required: Source reports condition issues on dial including forked hairlines at 3 and 7, a center hairline, and a patched chip at 5