Seth Thomas Research

Seth Thomas ResearchSeth Thomas ResearchSeth Thomas Research
  • Home
  • Lookup
  • Models
    • Model 1
    • Model 2
    • Model 3
    • Model 4
    • Model 5
    • Models 6 and 7
    • Models 8 and 9
    • Models 10 and 11
    • Models 12 and 13
    • Model 14
    • Models 15 to 19
    • Model 20
    • Model 21
    • Model 22
    • Model 23
    • Model 24
  • Grades
    • Private Labels
    • Contact Grades
    • Total Production
  • Learn
    • Dials
    • Cases
    • History
    • Records
    • Specifics
    • Swiss Fakes
  • Extras
    • Store
    • Buying
    • Appraise
    • Restoration
  • Contact
  • More
    • Home
    • Lookup
    • Models
      • Model 1
      • Model 2
      • Model 3
      • Model 4
      • Model 5
      • Models 6 and 7
      • Models 8 and 9
      • Models 10 and 11
      • Models 12 and 13
      • Model 14
      • Models 15 to 19
      • Model 20
      • Model 21
      • Model 22
      • Model 23
      • Model 24
    • Grades
      • Private Labels
      • Contact Grades
      • Total Production
    • Learn
      • Dials
      • Cases
      • History
      • Records
      • Specifics
      • Swiss Fakes
    • Extras
      • Store
      • Buying
      • Appraise
      • Restoration
    • Contact
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

Seth Thomas Research

Seth Thomas ResearchSeth Thomas ResearchSeth Thomas Research

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Lookup
  • Models
    • Model 1
    • Model 2
    • Model 3
    • Model 4
    • Model 5
    • Models 6 and 7
    • Models 8 and 9
    • Models 10 and 11
    • Models 12 and 13
    • Model 14
    • Models 15 to 19
    • Model 20
    • Model 21
    • Model 22
    • Model 23
    • Model 24
  • Grades
    • Private Labels
    • Contact Grades
    • Total Production
  • Learn
    • Dials
    • Cases
    • History
    • Records
    • Specifics
    • Swiss Fakes
  • Extras
    • Store
    • Buying
    • Appraise
    • Restoration
  • Contact

Account


  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • My Account

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 Lookup and Totals

Click on the charts below for more detailed information.

The watches logged in the Model 1 Serial Number Table are all reported examples or verified from photos.

These charts are for public use and for personal research, not for the Pocket Watch Database to "borrow".

Model 1 Grade Totals (pdf)

Download

Model 1 SN Table (pdf)

Download

Model 1 Run Chart (pdf)

Download

Model 1 Private Labels (pdf)

Download

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.

Master Grade Chart

Manufacture Dates and Lookup

1885 to 1888

The Model 1 was blocked from SN 1 to SN 10900 in a single continuous run with no known interruptions. It started production in 1885, and though the company was already working on designs for additional models, the Model 1 was the only watch being turned out for at least a couple of years until the Model 3 were ready to launch in 1888. The earliest variant was designated Grade 44 at the factory and was the most common, making up roughly two-thirds of total production. All were lever-set and the regulators were simple inboard ones at the start, with micro-regulators appearing later at around SN 6800 with the introduction of the first higher grades.


No company records have survived and all date returns are based on advertising. Type in the serial number to see when yours was made.

The Model 1 Parts List

The Patent Signatures

1

The earliest one from SN 1 to roughly 900.

Single-line showing only the Jan 85 patent.

2

Reported from SN 900 to 2800. Double-line stamp showing both patent dates.

3

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. 


Records Page

Period Ad Cuts

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

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

All photos and data protected by copyright. 


© 2025 - Seth Thomas Research v3.2.18k

Seth Thomas Highlights

The rarest regular-production two-tone pattern of all, made in one block of seventy - and then never again.

Other Rare Examples