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The Model 1
1885 to 1888
The Model 1 was the company's first watch, initially offered to the public in 1885. It was an 11-jewel gilt 18-size lever-set movement, able to fit into the standard cases. Herman Reinecke, master watchmaker for the new factory, designed it and was awarded two patents in 1885 for some of its components. Even though quick gear trains were becoming standard, Reinecke chose to make the Model 1 a slow train at 16,200 beats-per-hour. The overall plate layout was a good one, continuing with minor changes on nearly all the subsequent models.
Grade Assignment
Halfway through production new grades were introduced, all of which would continue into the full run of the Model 3. A micro-regulator turned the debut Grade 44 into a 55, and two added pairs of jewels in the gear train raised the count to 15 on their highest grades so far.
The Model 1 Parts List
The Patent Signatures
1
1
1
The earliest one from SN 1 to roughly 900.
Single-line showing only the Jan 85 patent.
2
1
1
Reported from SN 900 to 2800. Double-line stamp showing both patent dates.
3
1
3
From SN 2800 to the end at 10900. Single-line stamp showing both patent dates.
Reinecke's Patents
The Model 1 Only
Herman Reinecke applied for and was awarded patents for two separate components used in the design of the Model 1 while he was in the employ of Seth Thomas, the first in January of 1885 and a second one later that same year in September. His ideas for a winding pinion with slanted teeth and a delicate click spring were unique to this watch and were not incorporated on later models.
For more info about Reinecke's designs visit the Records page.
Period Ad Cuts
1885
1885
1885
This is an ad cut from New York supplier R L Friedlander, dated 1885. This is one of the earliest known ads showing the price for the base variant of the Model 1, even though the movement in the photo is equipped with a micro-regulator, making it a Grade 55.
1885
1885
1885
1885
1885
1885
Another Friedlander ad cut. Note that the signatures are shown upside-down from how they would really appear on the movement.
Found Buried
"I'm sending these photos because this serial number isn't in your database. This watch was a beach find, buried in the sand at Long Beach, Washington. When we got it apart we were amazed at what we found. Obviously it will never run again but at least it still exists!"
Submitted by Pam L of Castle Rock, Washington
Seth Thomas Highlights
The rarest regular-production two-tone pattern of all, made in one block of seventy - and then never again.