Pocket Watch Guide

The Howard Pocket Watch Company was established in 1857 after it was partially gained from Waltham Watch co. which did not fare so well on its own. Edward Howard, after claiming the parts and machineries that were yet being developed at the time, moved the company to Roxbury, Massachusetts and established his very own watch making factory; bringing with him all the tools, parts and other essentials needed for the factory. However, it took a year for his pocket watches to go out into the public and be marketable. The watches Edward Howard made were packed with new innovations and improvements were made which was relatively new to the industry.

This new pocket watch had a “quick-beat” train, compensated balance and a top plate which had two sections. A letter “N” was stamped on the movements as a tribute to the company and its inventors. After enjoying great success with his watches, Howard then introduced the Stem-Wind movement, this was the first of its kind and they were made at a furious pace as demand for them ran until the 1900′s. This watch had enamel dials and had the name of the company (E. Howard & Co., Boston) inscribed on it. Though the factory never made their own watch cases, in 1902 they assigned the rights to use Edward Howard’s name to the watch case making company which was the Keystone Watch Case co.

These Howard pocket watch and all of their accessories can be bought from countless online sites and even auction houses that carry antiques. Many designs of Howard hunter pocket watches are available and prices may range from those that are newly manufactured which can cost a few hundred dollars to the genuine antiques that fetch almost a thousand dollars at the beginning of the bid alone.

Buying A Howard Pocket Watch

Some tips to look out for in knowing when you truly have a genuine Howard pocket watch in the palm of your hand, is to look for the letter “N” in the watch movements. These watches were generally made between the decades of 1958 to 1930 although they may continue to be made up to this day, just under different names or company brands. Look for the serial number and the make sure that these are engraved in the pocket watch. To further help you in buying a Howard pocket watch, many guide books are available and it would be better to go online and look up your pocket watch in the company catalogue.

Always remember that these are not just pocket watches but also precious pieces of jewelry and are of high value. Most owners or sellers of these would be more than willing to provide certificates of authenticity to ensure quality. If they should refuse or make an excuse in handing you a certificate then this should serve as a warning and caution should be taken.