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Early History of the New York Watch Company: Part 7 – The 18-Size Full-Plate Model

John Hancock Movement by the New York Watch Company, #20231, c.1872
John Hancock Movement by the New York Watch Company, #20231, c.1872

By the summer of 1871, the New York Watch Company was ready to introduce its new 18-Size Full-Plate model to the market. This model had been in development since 1870 under the skillful direction of George Hunt.

The new product line featured four grades:

  1. John Hancock – 7 Jewels, Steel Balance
  2. Theo. E. Studley – 11 Jewels, Expansion Balance
  3. Geo. Sam. Rice – 7 Jewels, Imitation Expansion Balance
  4. Chas. E. Hayward – 11 Jewels, Imitation Expansion Balance

The “John Hancock” movement, named in honor of the signer of the Declaration of Independence, also featured a facsimile of the famous signature. 


John Hancock Signature from the United States Declaration of Independence
John Hancock Signature from the United States Declaration of Independence
"John Hancock" Signature Facsimile on the New York Watch Company Full-Plate Movement
“John Hancock” Signature Facsimile on the New York Watch Company Full-Plate Movement

While the 3/4-plate movements were still offered, this new key-wind key-set model aligned the New York Watch Company to match the trends established by the rest of the American watch industry. 

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