Since collectors today are familiar with the caliber numbers from that list, the following text names pre-1921 movements based on that 1921 list). (It should be noted that the nomenclature for those movements, and other IWC movements discussed below, was based on a consecutive calibre list prepared in 1921. These watches, known today as Seelands, used movements designated as Calibers 18 through 26. After Jones left IWC, in 1876 another American, Frederick Seeland, became CEO and on the one hand produced a less expensive movement with full plates, which mostly was sold in the British empire.

Three patterns were made in both key-wound and stem-wound variations, but most of the Jones watches were stem-wound and stem-set, a high-end characteristic for this era. Six basic patterns were made: patterns B, D, E, H, R and S, and several variations existed within each pattern. Around 26,000 Jones movements were produced, although by 1874 only 6,000 were sold. Companies then produced large quantities of watches with reliable quality, and as such were dominating the world market. These Schaffhausen-made pocket watches were primarily sold in the United States, which in the second half of the 19th century was a center of modern watchmaking. The Jones movements generally were finely finished, so much so that some even were cased with display backs. Newly patented technologies were employed, as well as other innovative characteristics, such using a longer index or “Jones needle” to assist with fine regulation of the movement. The pocket watches with Jones’ movements exemplified fine watchmaking of their era and cutting-edge techniques. His now-called Jones movements began in 1869 until he left the company in 1875, although some models were assembled and sold after his departure, still bearing Jones’ highly regarded emphasis on fine craftsmanship. Jones, who established the company in 1868. IWC’s long and proud pocket watch tradition began with its American founder, F.A. Most importantly, for IWC the highest principles of fine engineering and meticulous craftsmanship continue to evolve and distinguish the brand. Mechanical watches, old and new, tell time in the same way. The essential time-keeping mechanism, the Swiss lever escapement, works basically the same in today’s wristwatches as in history’s pocket watches.

While pocket watches appear today as anachronisms, the principles underlying IWC’s great pocket watch tradition continue and, indeed, prevail. IWC, like all watch companies founded in the 19th century, produced pocket watches for decades. The beauty of mechanical watches is that they pay tribute to the past while representing the future. This Seeland double register watch is 43mm long and wide not including the. Under the balance wheel it is marked 59,665 as this is the movement serial number.

Seeland Watch Serial Number