Railroad Pocket Watch, 1910-1915

01

Artifact Overview

After decades of disastrous railroad collisions due to the lack of coordination between different lines, railroad companies realized that accurate timekeeping was crucial to helping ensure the safe and efficient operation of the nation's railroad networks. As early as the 1860s, railroad companies collaborated with American watch manufacturers to produce precision watches for conductors and other railroad employees.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Pocket watch

Date Made

1910-1915

Creator Notes

Movement made by Hamilton Watch Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and case made by Illinois Watch Case Company, Elgin, Illinois.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Clockwork

Object ID

27.141.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Enamel (Fused coating)
Nickel (Metal)
Gold (Metal)

Dimensions

Diameter: 2.196 in

Inscriptions

dial: HAMILTON case: ILLINOIS / WATCH CASE CO. / ELGIN / NAPOLEON / 2861390 back plate: HAMILTON WATCH CO. / LANCASTOR, PA. / 23 JEWELS / ADJUSTED 5 POSITIONS / MOTOR BARREL / DOUBLE ROLLER / SAFETY PINION / 946 / 1409436
Railroad Pocket Watch, 1910-1915