Store 16

Watch Description

In 1888 Seth Thomas's 18-size open-face Model 3 replaced the Model 1, their debut watch since 1885, but they needed a hunting model, so the Model 2 was launched not longer after, with the two models matching each other for grade assignment. Whereas a 15-jewel gilt adjusted Model 3 was designated the Grade 96, the hunting version was a Grade 97, which is what this survivor is. The Model 2 debuted at SN 25101 with two separate blocks of a hundred nickel variants each, with the 15-jewel gilt adjusted Grade 97 being introduced for the first time at SN 28001, making this piece the eighth one in grade produced out of a total of roughly 1380. It's been fully restored with all of its original jewels still intact on clean plates with a complete regulator assembly and a full set of blued screws. The Roman-numeral dial has a light vertical hairline behind matching light spade hands, and it's housed in a fairly heavy 3-ounce unmarked coin-silver hunter case with tight hinges, a blank shield and cuvette, a tight bow, a sharp crown, and an NOS glass crystal. Matching lanyard and display stand included.

Watch Specs

Manufacturer - Seth Thomas

Serial Number - 28008

Watch Size - 18

Watch Model - 2

Watch Grade - 97

Jewel Count - 15

Winding/Setting - Stem/Lever

Production Year - 1888

Company History

Just What Restored Means

Restoring a watch doesn't mean to make it brand new again, which isn't possible. Nobody can remove the mileage, the scratches, and the history.

What it means is complete disassembly and cleaning, and to examine every component for defects under a 30x scope. It means making sure that every gear, every screw, every spring, everything under the dial is the correct part and operating within the tolerances set at the factory all those years ago. It means timing it in all positions as close to zero error as its escapement will allow. It means making sure the dial is the proper one for a given model and that it's cleaned well and repaired if necessary. It means that all the hands are the ones that are supposed to be there and not just any ones found in a jar. It means the case is immersed in a tank and the pendant cleaned separately, that the bow and crown are right for that brand, and a new crystal.

It means a mechanical work of art you can be proud of.

Buy Back Policy

There will come a time when you want or need to sell this watch for one of several reasons. If it's going to a fellow collector or someone who will genuinely appreciate it, then that's fine. On the other hand, if you're consigning it to an auction house or selling it to your local jeweler or gold hog it will almost certainly end up on eBay in pieces with the case melted down.

Instead of the watch being parted out for the bottom feeders to pick over, we will gladly buy the watch back from you, less 10% and the cost of a COA, plus anything else needed to return the piece to the condition in which you originally bought it.

American Timekeeper

Early 18-size Grade 97 Model 2 Seth Thomas Hunter

Watch Description

Watch Specs

Just What Restored Means

The Accessories

Leather Straps

Leather Straps

Leather Straps

Display Cases

Leather Straps

Leather Straps

Buy Back Policy

The Warranty