The earliest verified example?

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Seth Thomas Research

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High-Grade Pieces

Uncommon 21-jewel Two-Tone Grade 291 Model 5 Seth Thomas

24-hour dials were a requirement for Canadian railway service, but our own American system discouraged their use, believing the inner 13-24 chapter of numbers to be too distracting. What say you? While you're thinking it over, don't miss out on this survivor from 1904.

 

Shipped FREE anywhere in America.

Check or money order only. Contact us to purchase.

$1,950

Watch Description

For years the number 280 was assigned to this mystery grade, the only 21-jewel Model 5 on two-tone plates that was not a Maiden Lane, which was produced in four separate blocks totaling 1,100 pieces in the second SN block only; the run boundaries have been well established. The grade of  291 has been tentatively assigned with the discovery of a single catalog advertisement for New York jeweler Nicholas Gamse, who had an office at 54 Maiden Lane. The ad cut lists all of the verified attributes of this grade under an easily identifiable photo showing the unique pattern, along with grade number 291. This example comes from my collection and appears to be an entirely original combination of dial, case and movement with excellent color on the plates and a red/black Canadian dial with a single light hairline at the 25-minute-mark behind light spade hands. The gold-filled Monitor case is in very nice condition with covers that thread on easily, a sharp crown, a tight bow, and a new glass crystal. Matching chain and display stand included.

Watch Specs

Manufacturer - Seth Thomas

Serial Number - 232328

Watch Size - 18

Watch Model - 5

Watch Grade - 291

Jewel Count - 21

Winding/Setting - Stem/Pendant

Production Year - 1904

Model 5 Page

Rare 21-jewel Seth Thomas Maiden Lane

Seth Thomas launched what would eventually become their highest grade - the Maiden Lane - somewhere around 1895, named after the address of their New York office. It was an actual location, a street in Lower Manhattan in New York City close to the Brooklyn Bridge, where many watch companies had offices.

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Watch Description

The factory's first Maiden Lane was a 17-jewel variant, debuting for the first time at SN 205501 immediately following the 21-jewel grade 260, their first railroad-grade watch, so it made sense that the Maiden Lane would quickly follow as far as the jewel count. The first dedicated run of the 21-jewel variant (unmarked) was blocked from SN 208801, making this one the earliest known example from that block with a total overall production of just over a hundred in four small runs. This piece was just fully restored for the next owner and still has all of its twenty-one jewels, which is remarkable, and all of the hardware is matching and factory-correct, right down the the original dust band. It fronts a flawless and correct single-sunk dial with an even more rare Gothic signature behind blued spade hands, and is housed in an exceptional gold-filled Excelsior hinged case with a tight bow, fairly sharp crown and a glass crystal. Matching watch chain and display stand are included. 

Watch Specs

Manufacturer - Seth Thomas

Serial Number - 208809

Watch Size - 18

Watch Model - 5

Watch Grade - Maiden Lane

Jewel Count - 21

Winding/Setting - Stem/Lever

Production Year - 1896

Model 5 Page

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