Princeton Watch Company Movement, c.1894: A Lesson in Preservation
By 
c.1894 Princeton Watch Co. Watch Movement
16-Size, Nickel, Lever-Set, 16 Jewels
While Princeton watch movements feature traits similar to American watches, they were manufactured in Switzerland and specifically imported for sale in the United States. Production was very limited, and surviving examples are difficult to find.
This Princeton watch survived in its original 14K gold case until 2024. Unfortunately, it became a victim of unscrupulous scrappers after 125 years of existence. I purchased the raw movement shortly after it sold as a complete watch in September 2024.
Seeing history constantly destroyed by individuals placing profit over preservation is disheartening. Logging and conserving records of these watches in their original form is critical to the persistence of our understanding of the watch industry in America.
When someone destroys the originality of a watch, it can never reversed.
What are the 3 holes in the plate? One on either side of the balance wheel and one between the two plates. They look like holes for screws, but do they go to the back of the dial? I’m not sure. Please enlighten me.
Excellent eye. The holes are for the dial feet when the dial is fitted on the movement. I took the photo with the dial removed. Great question.
Sad indeed !
The link for the words “sold as a complete watch in September 2024.” go to the same link as the first, which is the liveauctioneeres web site. Do you have the real link you intended to place for the article about the company being sold? Thanks.
I am not sure I follow your question. This particular watch was sold in September 2024 as a complete watch in a solid gold case. I have linked to the Live Auctioneers site that has a record of the listing and photos for reference. There is no mention of the company being sold. I have written a followup article about the origin of the Princeton watch and the people behind it’s creation, which might interest you.