Description: The miracle of the American “Industrial Revolution (1842–1885) was, for the most part, a direct result of the lessons learned from mass production experiments of early Pocket Watch manufacturing. Over 50 American watch companies were started, and many went bankrupt during this period to get it right. It was all about techniques, interchangeability, efficiencies, the elimination of human error, and unit cost reductions. It was during this period that perfection was finally achieved! The American “Industrial Revolution” of mass production for others (Smith & Wesson, Springfield Arms, Remington, and Colt) would not have been possible, and the world would be very different. Knowledge among collectors of these early watch companies is held in the hands of only a very few. Here is the story of one of these early American watch entrepreneurs! INDEPENDENT WATCH CO. Fredonia, New York Circa: 1875-1881The California Watch Company was idle for two years before it was purchased by brothers E. W. Howard and C.M. Howard. They had been selling watches by mail for some time and started engraving the Howard Bros. name on them and using American-made watches. Their chief supply came from Hampden Watch Co., Illinois Watch. Co., and U.S. WATCH Co. of Marion. The brothers formed the Independent Watch Co. in 1880, but it was not a watch factory in the true sense. They had other manufacturers engrave the Independent Watch col name on the top plates and on the dials of their watches. Sold mostly by mail order. The company later decided to manufacture watches and used the name Fredonia Watch Co., but they found that selling watches two different ways was not particularly good. The business survived until 1881 at which time the owners decided to move the plant to a new location at Peoria, Illinois. Approximately 180,000 watches were made that sold for $16.00.This example is a 18 size, full plate gilt, key wind and key set, 15 Jewels, marked: "Independent Watch Co. Fredonia, N.Y. No. 169,573". White porcelain original dial mint condition. Very scarce yellow gold filled key wind open face very fancy featuring a two story home in the Alpines. This movement is clean running. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 9800 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.OTHER NICE FEATURES: Free U.S. Shipping. $58 Fedex overseas.
Price: 950 USD
Location: Santa Monica, California
End Time: 2023-12-14T22:45:49.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Model: Independent W.Co 1884
Department: Men
Case Color: yellow
Style: Luxury
Case Material: Gold Filled
Indices: Roman Numerals
Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
Type: Pocket Watch
Customized: No
With Papers: No
Year Manufactured: 1880-1889
With Original Box/Packaging: No
Dial Color: White
Display: Analog
Brand: Independent
