English Silver Case By The Lancashire Watch Co.

Description

English silver cased pocket watch 'The Cleveland' by The Lancashire Watch Co., retailed by T.G. Poole, Middlesbro, the 'TPH' case hallmarked for Chester 1895 and numbered 12697. Key wind and time change with retailer signed white enamel dial with black Roman hours and gilt hands and subsidiary seconds dial. Back plate signed T. Gibson Poole and numbered 198161 with decorated cock piece, going barrel movement with split bi-metallic jewelled balance.

Case Diameter - 52mm.

The Lancashire Watch Company of Prescot was founded in 1889 by Thomas P. Hewitt as a rival to the large American and Swiss watch companies. Until the late 19th century, Prescot had been the centre of the watchmaking trade in England. The workers produced watch parts in small workshops attached to their cottages and were paid by piece work. By 1889 the American System of Watch Manufacturing meant that the Waltham Watch Company and others could produce watches at a much lower price and the town fell into decline. In 1889 a company was formed and eventually a large factory was built to create complete watches under one roof. The products produced had more in common with earlier American designs than traditional English fusee watches. Because of economies of scale the Lancashire Watch Company struggled to compete with the larger American and Swiss factories. It could not make a profit and went bankrupt in 1910. In the 21 years it operated over 400,000 watches were made.

This item has been serviced and is guaranteed for a period of 1 year from the date of sale, subject to our standard Terms and Conditions of Guarantee.

Product code: PWAL021