This watch

A classic 1917 gentlemen's pocket watch featuring the famed signature of the Royal Warrant-holding retailer Thomas Russell & Son, Liverpool, housed in a superb, heavy 2oz solid 925 sterling silver full hunter case.
This stunning Full Hunter watch is a superb example of the early 20th-century British watch trade, where a high-grade movement was placed in a premium English-hallmarked case. The substantial 925 solid sterling silver double-lid case is marked with the desirable '2oz' weight stamp and is in super fine original condition. Opening the front cover reveals a perfect original enamelled white dial, signed "Thos. Russell & Son, Liverpool" with elegant black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. The timepiece is protected by its original crystal glass. The high-quality lever movement is signed "Crown Watch Co.", a movement brand historically manufactured by the New York Standard Watch Company (1885–1929) in the USA. Russell & Son were renowned importers of both Swiss and American movements for their English-cased pieces, and this combination showcases the global component sourcing of the era. The watch is stem-winding and pin-set, has been recently serviced, and keeps excellent time, making it a wonderful piece of horological history from a celebrated maker.

Extra Points

Thomas Russell & Son was one of the greatest names in Liverpool watchmaking, holding a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria and known for their fine chronometers. After a division of the company, the retail side (Thos. Russell & Son) became a principal importer of keyless machine-made movements, including fine Swiss and American examples, to be placed in their own high-quality British-made cases. The Crown Watch Co. was a brand used by the New York Standard Watch Company. While the Crown movements were generally considered mass-produced, this particular example, cased in such a heavy, high-grade 2oz sterling silver full hunter case, represents Russell's premium offering to the British market—a robust, reliable, and beautifully finished watch that has survived over a century in remarkable original condition.

What We Think

Working on this 1917 Thomas Russell & Son watch is a deeply satisfying experience. For us here at Antique Watch Co. in London, every timepiece that comes through our workshop is more than a commodity—it is a piece of history that has survived wars, economic crashes, and over a century of life. We don't just service watches; we see ourselves as recyclers of antique gems.

This watch, with its beautiful 2oz solid sterling silver case and perfect original dial, deserves to function for another 100 years. Our meticulous servicing process, which includes a full strip-down, ultrasonic cleaning, and careful reassembly and oiling of the Crown Watch Co. movement, is dedicated to this principle of preservation. We are ensuring the quality of the American engineering and the strength of the English case is fit for the next generation.

We have great faith in the longevity of these robust watches, especially when they are treated with the respect they deserve. This is why we are pleased to offer a 2-Year Personal Warranty on this pocket watch. This warranty is our promise on the work we perform, provided the new owner is a responsible guardian of this miniature piece of history.

This specific watch is a special find because it even retains its original presentation box. We will be photographing the box immediately to include on the listing, completing the provenance and offering a fantastic package for the discerning collector. When you hold this watch, you are holding a genuine piece of Liverpool and American watchmaking history, ready to begin its next chapter.

Spec Stuff