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](https://blog.pocketwatchdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DSC01850-1024x1024.jpg)
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:
- John Hancock – 7 Jewels, Steel Balance
- Theo. E. Studley – 11 Jewels, Expansion Balance
- Geo. Sam. Rice – 7 Jewels, Imitation Expansion Balance
- 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](https://blog.pocketwatchdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JohnHancock-Signature2.jpg)
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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