DESCRIPTION:
APW - Howard Keystone, Series 0 with gilt plate finish, 23J, 16S, gold-filled OF case, white enamel DS dial, SW-SS, gilt mvt, s#1086070 to visible portion of mvt. An eye catching piece with unique movement appearance, disassembly of this movement reveals mismatched serial numbers throughout (as described in further detail below in the condition report) and that the plates were originally of nickel finish prior to their gold-plating. This indicates that the watch was presumably not a factory directed item or project but rather was something assembled and finished outside of the course of factory production, possibly being either a piece made for personal use by a factory employee using in-house material on hand or possibly being made at some later time by a watchmaker unassociated with the factory using gathered Howard Keystone materials. The gilt finish is well executed and attractive, making this an interesting addition for the Howard collector looking for something unique to show off.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent gilt tone, slight rub to inner perimeter of center bridge adjacent regulator adjustment screw, few small micro-fine scratches, disassembly reveals a myriad of mismatched internal serial numbers (1077138 to balance cock, 1103400 to balance wheel spars, 1078544 to fourth/escape wheel bridge, 76238 to center bridge, and 01385 to palley bridge), center bridge is of a slightly lower profile than other plates suggesting it was possibly milled to remove factory markings prior to its gold-plating; dial with edge chip and associated small fracture under bezel at 9, hl below seconds-register at 6; excellent hands; case shows light wear, some scratches and fine scratches including a few adjacent the rear seam likely caused by a past attempt to open with a blade, scattered dings and nicks to band, thin sliver of wear to brass following lower rear/band seam; tight bow, replacement crown shows no wear; plastic crystal with some fine scratches.
ESTIMATE:
$250
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$500
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