The Models 8 and 9
1904 to 1913
The New Eagle Series was yet another 3/4-plate design, starting where the Old line left off, and again the two models were mirror images for hunter and open-face. The reasons for the change are unclear, but these newer versions were more accurate watches. The Model 8 and Model 9 were nearly identical to their respective forebears, but with two differences - the balance bridge alignment pins were inverted, and they were thinner, allowing them to fit into the factory cases. Jewel choices were still 7 up to 17 and the plate finishes remained the same.
The 1904 Parts Catalog
The 1908 Trade Price List
The Companion
Travel Clock
Seth Thomas offered a simple 7-jewel travel clock containing either a Model 6 with a flat hairspring or a Model 8 with a Breguet hairspring in a leather-wrapped metal case that was available in several color choices. The factory listed its top-grain leathers as lizard, alligator and seal with second-quality hides of pig and morocco in half a dozen colors.
The movements that were used for the Companion were not standard pendant-set or lever-set movements right off the production line. They were a true pin-set movement, which is what the push button on the left side of the case was for. The pillar plate underwent several more milling procedures, using additional components from a separate parts list. The standard yoke was used under the dial but without a shuttle of any kind on the right side.
Example shown below contributed by Jacobe C of Garland, Texas
Setting Lever
Milled Pin Slot
Milled Pin Slot
A circular depression was milled for a cam-shaped lever, which disengaged the yoke from the ratchet wheel when pushed.
Milled Pin Slot
Milled Pin Slot
Milled Pin Slot
A slot was machined on the left side of the pillar plate as a guide for the setting pin, which was held in place by a set screw.
Setting Pin
Milled Pin Slot
Setting Pin
The spring-loaded setting pin in place at rest, allowing the yoke to mesh with the ratchet wheel in winding mode.
