Howard 51.3mm Railroad Pocket Watch – 14K Gold-Filled Case, Porcelain Dial, High-Grade Series 10 & 21 Jewels, Extra-Adjusted Precision Timepiece

A monumental piece of early American horology — a Howard railroad-grade precision instrument built for accuracy, endurance, and prestige. This oversized 51.3 mm model combines a 14K gold-filled Keystone case, a porcelain enamel dial, and a high-grade Series 10 / 21-jewel movement, delivering the engineering excellence that defined the golden age of railroad timekeeping. 

A collector’s heirloom with stature, weight, and historical presence.

DESCRIPTION

This Howard Extra-Adjusted Railroad Pocket Watch (51.3 mm) represents one of the most celebrated achievements of American watchmaking. Designed during the era when railway precision dictated national standards, this timepiece exemplifies the craftsmanship required for synchronized rail operation — durability, clarity, accuracy, and mechanical sophistication.

The watch features an original highest-grade 14K gold-filled case produced by the Keystone Watch Case Company, bearing early 20th-century engraving and the distinct patina expected of a century-old heirloom. Its large diameter and weight underscore its mechanical substance and elevated grade.

The porcelain enamel dial—with bold Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a railroad sub-seconds register—exudes the crisp legibility demanded by professional engineers and conductors. Porcelain railroad dials are beloved by collectors for their permanence, resistance to fading, and unmistakable high-heritage aesthetic.

Inside beats a Howard 21-jewel Series 10 movement, EXTRA-adjusted for high-precision regulation. These movements were designed to meet stringent railroad standards, featuring fine finishing, strong bridges, jeweled bearings, and calibration suited for demanding environmental shifts.

At over 110 years old, this model stands among the finest surviving Howard railroad-grade specimens, combining mechanical virtuosity, a premium case, and a dial configuration rarely preserved with this level of completeness.

A historic example of American horology that continues to inspire collectors worldwide.

HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES 

• Oversized 51.3 mm Howard railroad-grade pocket watch.
• Original highest-grade 14K gold-filled Keystone case.
• Porcelain enamel dial with bold Arabic numerals and sub-seconds.
• High-Grade Series 10 movement with 21 jewels.
• EXTRA-adjusted for high-precision timekeeping.
• Blued steel hands with classic railway aesthetic.
• Early 1900s American watchmaking excellence.
• Heavy, substantial presence with collector-grade heritage.
• Rare full-spec configuration combining dial, case, and movement.
• A century-old mechanical artifact ideal for horology collections.

ITEM DETAILS

Category: Antique Pocket Watch / Railroad Timepiece
Brand: Howard
Model: High-Grade Series 10 (21 Jewels, EXTRA Adjusted)
Dial: Porcelain Enamel, Arabic Numerals
Hands: Blued Steel
Case Material: 14K Gold-Filled (Keystone Case)
Diameter: Approx. 51.3 mm
Era: Circa 1913
Movement: Mechanical, 21-jewel, precision-adjusted
Country: USA
Included: Watch body (no chain shown)
Notes: Early serial, premium case grade, historically significant railroad model.

CONDITION REPORT

Condition Grade: A–B (antique, visible age, preserved functionality)

Exterior:
• Gold-filled case shows age-appropriate patina.
• Light scratches, handling marks, and surface wear consistent with century-old pieces.
• Bezel and back show natural aging and handling history.

Dial:
• Porcelain dial appears clean with no major cracks visible in provided images.
• Numerals remain bold and clear.

Hands:
• Blued steel hands show light aging with consistent coloration.

Movement:
• Howard 21-jewel EXTRA-adjusted movement.
• Appears clean; operational status not guaranteed without servicing.

This is an authentic antique timepiece with naturally aged components and mechanical heritage intact.

WHY COLLECTORS WANT THIS PIECE

• Howard railroad watches are pillars of early American precision engineering.
• High-grade Series 10 / 21-jewel models are among the most respected across collectors.
• Porcelain railway dials are timeless and increasingly rare in clean condition.
• Large 51.3 mm case size is significantly more desirable than standard models.
• Early 14K gold-filled Keystone cases hold exceptional historical value.
• Represents the golden era of railroad timekeeping — a foundation of US horological history.
• Highly displayable due to size, clarity, and movement beauty.
• Investment-stable category with strong cross-market demand.

BRAND HERITAGE  — HOWARD

Howard stands among the greatest names in American watchmaking. Founded in the mid-19th century, the brand became synonymous with railway-grade accuracy and engineering discipline. Howard’s high-grade models, especially the EXTRA-adjusted 21-jewel movements, represent the pinnacle of regulated mechanical reliability during the railroad standardization era.

Each pocket watch reflects uncompromising workmanship: robust bridges, jeweled bearings, porcelain dials, and high-precision adjustment — all executed by master horologists. Today, Howard watches remain revered artifacts of American industrial heritage and precision craftsmanship.

This piece embodies that legacy with commanding presence and enduring mechanical integrity.

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