Hampden Appraisal

Hampden Ladies' Pendant Watch

This item is an antique or vintage ladies' pendant watch, likely intended to be worn on a necklace or as a chatelaine. The watch features a circular, gold-toned metal case, possibly gold-filled or brass, exhibiting some wear and minor discoloration consistent with age, particularly around the bezel and bail. The dial is a warm, matte gold or champagne color, displaying black Arabic numerals for hours 1 through 12. The hands appear to be blued steel, in a ye-shaped or spade-style, with a central pivot that shows some slight oxidation or dirt. A prominent sub-dial for seconds is located at the 6 o'clock position, marked with 10-second intervals and minor tick marks. The manufacturer's name, 'Hampden.', is clearly visible on the upper half of the dial in an elegant, cursive script. The watch is suspended by a black cord or ribbon, possibly silk or a similar material, with small gold-toned beads or sliders; one bead is visible near the bottom lug and two at the top where the cord forms a loop. The winding crown and bail are gold-toned and show signs of use. The overall condition suggests a well-loved piece, with an evident patina and minor surface scratches on the case. There are no visible chips or cracks in the crystal, though its clarity might be slightly reduced by age. The construction appears to be machine-made, indicating a period of mass production, likely from the early 20th century, possibly 1900s-1930s, given the dial style and the Hampden brand's active period. The craftsmanship, while not excessively ornate, indicates a functional and aesthetically pleasing design typical of its era.