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Author: Nathan Moore

Nathan Moore is a historian of American horology, avid watch collector, and the creator of the Pocket Watch Database. He enjoys researching the stories behind the watches manufactured by the American watch factories and the people that built the industry.

By Nathan Moore

The Early Process of Dial Making at the National Watch Company: Part 2

By Nathan Moore

Continuing the article from yesterday describing the early process of dial production at the National Watch Company: “Then the dial goes to an artist, who, holding it under a magnifier, paints the words “National Watch Co.” in black enamel with a fine camel’s hair brush....

Dials , Elgin , Factories , History , Production

The Early Process of Dial Making at the National Watch Company: Part 1

By Nathan Moore

In 1869, Harper’s Monthly Magazine published an article by Albert D. Richardson describing his recent visit to the National Watch Company factory in Elgin, Illinois. Within a series of department.

Analysis , Dials , Production , Tips

How to Distinguish a Hand-Painted Dial from Replication or Transfer Process

By Nathan Moore

In the 1880s, American watch factories were developing new procedures to increase the efficiency of mass production. During this time, the craft of meticulously hand-painting dials was replaced by innovative.

The Transition Away From Hand-Painted Dials

By Nathan Moore

In Dials , Factory Finishing , Production , Waltham

Hand-painting dials proved to be a tedious task in the watchmaking process without much room for error. In the 1880s, watch companies began to explore new methods for marking dials more efficiently. A variety of innovative methods were developed during this period, including procedures involving...

Dials , Factories , Factory Finishing , History , Macro , Waltham

Early Process of Hand-Painted Watch Dials

By Nathan Moore

During the early years of the American watch industry, each dial was meticulously hand-painted, proving to be one of the most time consuming elements in the production process. After the.

Dials , Production , Waltham

The Intriguing Arabic Serpentine Dial on an Early Appleton, Tracy & Co. Watch

By Nathan Moore

Arabic Serpentine Dial - American Watch Company (Waltham) Grade Appleton, Tracy & Co. - 18-Size, Model 1857, 15 Jewels, c.1859, Serial No. 17939. Roman Numeral dials dominated market trends during.

Early Pinned Dials on American Watch Movements

By Nathan Moore

In Dials , History , Waltham , Watchmakers

Early dials were attached to watch movements using small tapered brass pins. Holes were drilled in the pillar plate to allow the dial feet to project through after the movement was assembled. Holes were also drilled into the side of each dial foot to receive...

History , Movements , Trademarks , Waltham

Behind the Name: Who is the “Appleton, Tracy & Co.” Marked on Waltham Watches?

By Nathan Moore

The Appleton, Tracy & Co. grade produced by the American Watch Company (Waltham) has roots that run deep in the company’s history. In 1850, Aaron Dennison, Edward Howard, David P..

Analysis , Factory Finishing , History , Jeweling , Movements , Production , Tips , Waltham

Production Conflicts: Factory Records vs. Surviving Specimens

By Nathan Moore

One of the challenges in maintaining the Pocket Watch Database is how to approach situations where the factory records are in conflict with surviving specimens. Usually, it is not as.

Under the Dial: Waltham Model 1857 Appleton, Tracy & Co.

By Nathan Moore

In Analysis , Factory Finishing , Jeweling , Movements , Waltham

This image exhibits the pillar plate jeweling on a Waltham Model 1857 Appleton, Tracy & Co. movement to contrast the 11-Jewel P.S. Bartlett that is only jeweled on the upper plate. Inspecting under the dial reveals jewels on the 3rd wheel, 4th wheel, escape wheel,...

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