This exquisite Hampden Grade Special Railway Model 3, produced in 1899, is a rare find featuring some details that are of historical and horological interest. This watch hit the railways at the turn of the century during those precious few quiet years ahead of the stormy 20th century.

Rail workers were required by regulation to carry with them a timepiece that complied with the railroad timekeeping standards established in the 1890s. But as with any mechanical device, sometimes a rail worker had to put their watch in the shop to be serviced. When this happened, the railway companies would loan the employee a watch to use. The railway company would engrave the case of their loaner watches in an effort to identify them as such. However, because they were loaners, these watches were often not as well cared for as a watch owned by an individual. Thus, finding one in excellent condition is truly a rare find. Even rare is finding a vintage pocket watch with a researchable history, and this fine timepiece does exactly that.

It is marked “Standard Loaner No. 4 Phil Spohn. Greensburg, Ind.” and if you find this bit of historical reference thrilling, this watch will be a perfect addition to your collection. The background photo for this watch includes the very train station in Indiana where this watch served and during the period in which it served. It’s quite possible this very watch was sitting inside the train depot the moment the photo was taken or in service that day.

This watch has great character and interesting history, and if you are into the history of these fine timepieces, this watch is a must-have. It’s also marked Duber “Railway,” adding additional historical and horological significance. Against the odds, it’s survived a lifetime as a loaner watch in a world where such watches rarely survive to the present day. It has some minor wear and crazing on the dial, as one would expect of a working timepiece of the railways. If you’re looking to hold history in your hands or are wanting to own a timepiece that you can research a definable history or are interested in it for its horological significance, this is the watch for you.