However “new” Record watches live on, in a manner of speaking, through the Zeno watch company of Basel, which uses old Record pocket watch movements in its limited edition models. General Record service watches from the 1940s and 1950s with a typical military aesthetic (black dial, broad arrow, lume-filled hands etc) can be picked up fairly. 25 is only 16' (french lignes, equates to about 36mm in total) so that may be a little small for your watch. I don't know much about Record and their movements but there may be a bigger equivalent designated Cal. 31 (which would then explain the number under the balance). I'm quite sure it's an in-house Record calibre anyway.
Including Serial Numbers, Grades and Production Dates
Trenton, New Jersey
1885 - 1908
The Trenton Watch Company was a successor to the New Haven Watch Company, which had been started in 1883 in New Haven, Connecticut, but had undergone financial reorganization in 1887.
The Trenton Watch Factory, Trenton,
New Jersey, as it would have appeared in 1895.
Trenton produced nearly two million watches, most of which were lower to mid-grade pieces in the 7-9-11 jewel range. Most of the watches produced were intended for the domestic market, but factory records indicate that some watches were produced for export to England around the turn of the century. Trenton was subsequently sold to Ingersoll in 1908.
Trenton-produced watches were marketed under a variety of brand names, including: Trenton, Ingersoll Trenton, Fortuna, Calumet USA, Advance Watch Co, Marvel Watch Co, Reliance Watch Co, Locomotive Special and Engineers Special. Both the Engineers Special and Locomotive Special were marked as 23-jewel watches, even though they had only 7 functional jewels... the others were fake and were entirely for appearance! Similarly, the watches sold under the Marvel Watch Co. brand-name were marked 23-jewels, even though all but 7 jewels were non-functional. Some of these 'fake jewel' watches can be quite collectible today.
Trenton also produced two 18-size fly-back chronograph models, both with 9 jewels. Based on a Grade 40 or 41 with chronograph modifications, the watches were produced in limited quantity, and these watches are considered to be quite rare and collectible today.
Trenton Watch Company
Total Production: Approx. 1.2 Million Watches
Year | S/N | Size | Model |
---|---|---|---|
1887-1889 | 2001 - 61,000 | 18 | 1 |
1889 - 1891 | 64,001 - 135,000 | 18 | 2 |
1891 - 1898 | 135,001 - 201,000 | 18 | 3 |
1899 - ?? | 201,001 - 300,000 | 18 | 6 |
1891 - 1900 | 300,001 - 500,000 | 18 | 4 |
1892 - 1897 | 500,001 - 600,000 | 6 | 1 |
1894 - 1899 | 650,001 - 700,000 | 16 | 1 |
1898 - 1900 | 700,001 - 750,000 | 6 | 2 |
1900 - 1904 | 750,001 - 800,000 | 18 | 4 |
1896 - 1900 | 850,001 - 900,000 | 12 | 1 |
1898 - 1903 | 900,001 - 1,100,000 | 18 | 5 |
1902 - 1907 | 1,300,001 - 1,400,000 | 18 | 6 |
1900 - 1903 | 2,000,001 - 2,075,000 | 6 | 2 |
1902 - 1905 | 2,075,001 - 2,160,000 | 6 | 3 LS |
1905 - 1907 | 2,160,001 - 2,250,000 | 6 | 3 PS |
1899 - 1902 | 2,500,001 - 2,600,000 | 3/0 | 1 |
1905 - 1906? | 2,800,001 - 2,850,000 | 6 | 3 PS |
1900 - 1904 | 3,000,001 - 3,139,000 | 16 | 2 |
1903 - 1907 | 3,139,001 - 3,238,000 | 16 | 3 OF |
1903 - 1907 | 3,500,001 - 3,600,000 | 16 | 3 HC |
1905 - 1907 | 4,000,001 - 4,100,000 | 0 | 1 |
Be sure to use the serial number on the movement (the works) of the watch. Do not use the serial number from the watch case.
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Record Watch Company Serial Numbers Online
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