Here’s one straight out of the microbrand playbook, the original one written over 120 years ago… an NYC based Cross & Beguelin pin set open face pocket watch, but with a Swiss made movement from Longines. It sort of reminds you of how all the modern American and European based watch brands are powered by Seiko movements. These unbranded movements are called ebauches, a term that is not used today, but maybe we should start referring to Miyota and SII as ebauches.

C&B were wholesale dealers in Swiss and American watches, watch materials, and tools, with a shop at 21 Maiden Lane in New York City (the Financial District). In 1863, during the Civil War, Alfred Cross (a jeweler from Maine) formed a partnership with Henry E. Beguelin (a watchmaker from Le Locle, Switzerland). Similar to some microbrand watches of today, this antique pocket watch is an example of a brand that appears to have sourced unbranded movements from overseas (said to come from Longines), then cased them in the states under their own brand name.

Upon opening the dust cover on the back, this watch features an exhibition style cover over the movement. Cases like this were often used as salesperson cases because it allowed the prospective customer to get a good look at the movement, but this style of cover was commonly found on C&B watches. Another characteristic of Cross and Beguelin timepieces is the large “Centennial” mark with a Maltese cross symbol, boldly found stamped on the outside of the back cover on this particular piece.

This is a timepiece of history, produced by a company that was founded in the Civil War era, with a rare black dial with gold tone hands configuration – and interesting story with a uniqueness that would make for the perfect addition to any  respectable pocket watch collection.

Detailed Specs:

• Style: Open face, pin set
• Approximate Age: circa 1870s-1890s
• Movement Serial: Unknown
• Case Serial: 48018
• Size: 14
• Case Material: Nickel silver
• Case Inscription: 1776 Centennial 1876 / C & B / Trademark Registered
• Case Diameter: About 51mm
• Total Weight: 105 grams / 3.7 ounces
• Dial: Black with white Roman markers
• Hands: Gold tone
• Exhibition style movement cover

Condition: Running condition. Watch winds and sets smoothly via the pin set mechanism. The pin engages and springs back into place as it should. There are old service marks etched on the inside of the dust cover. The case has some wear on the edges but it good overall. The dust cover snaps shut. Signs of wear on the inside where case knives have been used to open the cover. The dial has heavy patina. The crystal has surface wear with a small chip on the edge. The exhibition style crystal over the movement is excellent. When fully wound, the movement puts out subtle ticking sound that can be heard but is not obnoxious. It would make for a beautiful piece if you choose to have it restored. This piece has not been serviced or polished by us.

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