Princeton Watch Company Movement, c.1894: A Lesson in Preservation

c.1894 Princeton Watch Co. Watch Movement
16-Size, Nickel, Lever-Set, 16 Jewels

While Princeton watch movements feature traits similar to American watches, thttps://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/184459726_14k-gold-pocket-watchhey 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.