What does Keystone 14K mean?
If your Keystone case is marked “J. Boss” or “Jas. Boss” then it is a gold-filled case. A case that’s marked “14K Warranted 20 Years” meant that the gold-filled case was made with a layer of 14K gold, and was guaranteed that the gold-layer would not wear through to the brassl for a period of 20 years.
What is the significance of the Keystone watch case?
The cases were produced using a range of metals, from nickel to 18K solid gold, and were marked with a grade such as the J. Boss inscription: pocket watches with this marking were known for their balance and guarantee for either 15, 20 or 25 years, as stated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
Where to find the serial number on a keystone watch?
Serial numbers associated with pocket watches manufactured by the Keystone Watch Case Co. can be located on the movement of the watch and will help to identify its date of production.
When did the Keystone Standard Watch Company start?
The Keystone Standard Watch Company was started by Abram Bitner with the purchase of the factory and production of the Lancaster Watch Company in 1886. Almost 9000 Lancaster watch movements had been completed but not sold when Bitner assumed control of the company, and these were sold by Keystone Standard under the Lancaster name.
What makes a Keystone Standard watch dust proof?
Some Keystone Standard watches featured their patented “Dust Proof” design, which used a small “window” (originally made of mica) to cover the only opening in the plate of the movement, thus sealing the movement completely from dust.
The cases were produced using a range of metals, from nickel to 18K solid gold, and were marked with a grade such as the J. Boss inscription: pocket watches with this marking were known for their balance and guarantee for either 15, 20 or 25 years, as stated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
Serial numbers associated with pocket watches manufactured by the Keystone Watch Case Co. can be located on the movement of the watch and will help to identify its date of production.
When did the first Hamilton pocket watch come out?
It says HAMILTON on the face and is a 16-size, 21-jewel pocket watch manufactured around 1908. In 1950, Hamilton released the 992B model, which was a commemorative model based on the original.
When did the Keystone Watch Company go bankrupt?
In 1891, Keystone merged with a watch company out of Illinois called Aurora Watch Company. Unfortunately, in that same year, Keystone went bankrupt and was bought by the Hamilton Watch Company.
