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

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. 

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.