E. Howard Watch Company
Boston, United States · Est. 1858
Founded by Edward Howard, David P. Davis
E. Howard Watch Company, founded in Boston by Edward Howard, produced what many consider the finest American pocket watches ever made. Howard movements were the gold standard for railroad timekeeping. Acquired by Keystone in 1903.
- Founded
- 1858
- Headquarters
- Boston, United States
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Luxury
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1930
The E. Howard Watch Company was acquired by the Keystone Watch Case Company in 1903, and the Howard name was used on decreasing quality watches until production ceased around 1930.
Edward Howard made the finest American watches ever produced — and the Keystone company that bought his name couldn't carry the weight.
Key Collections
- Series 0 Railroad — The pinnacle of E. Howard's railroad watches, featuring 23 jewels and exceptional precision that made it the preferred timepiece of American railroad conductors and engineers.
- Edward Howard — A prestigious 23-jewel movement named after the founder, representing the finest grade produced by the company and highly sought after by collectors today.
- Series VII — A popular 17-jewel movement produced in significant quantities, offering Howard quality at a more accessible price point whilst maintaining excellent accuracy.
- Series XI — A robust 21-jewel railroad grade movement meeting the stringent timing requirements of American railways during the early twentieth century.
Timeline
- 1858 — Edward Howard establishes the E. Howard & Company in Boston, Massachusetts, after his earlier venture with the Boston Watch Company.
- 1861 — The company begins producing high-grade pocket watches that quickly earn a reputation for exceptional quality and precision.
- 1881 — Reorganised as the E. Howard Watch and Clock Company, expanding operations whilst maintaining stringent quality standards.
- 1903 — The Keystone Watch Case Company acquires the E. Howard Watch Company, marking the end of independent Boston production.
- 1912 — Production moves to the Keystone-Howard facility; quality begins to decline from the original Howard standards.
- 1930 — The Howard name ceases to appear on watches, ending over seven decades of American watchmaking heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions about E. Howard Watch Company
- When did E. Howard Watch Company stop making watches?
- E. Howard ceased independent production in 1903 when acquired by Keystone Watch Case Company. The Howard name continued on watches of diminishing quality until approximately 1930, when production ended entirely.
- Are E. Howard watches still valuable?
- Original E. Howard pocket watches, particularly those made before the 1903 Keystone acquisition, are highly valuable and prized by collectors. Pre-1903 examples in excellent condition can command significant prices, with rare models like the Edward Howard 23-jewel fetching thousands of pounds.
- Can I still buy an E. Howard watch today?
- E. Howard watches can only be purchased on the secondary market through specialist dealers, auction houses, and collector networks. The brand has never been revived, making vintage examples the sole option for collectors.
- Why were E. Howard watches considered the finest American pocket watches?
- E. Howard watches were renowned for their exceptional finishing, precise timekeeping, and stringent quality control. Edward Howard insisted on standards that rivalled Swiss manufacturers, and the company's movements became the benchmark for American railroad timing accuracy.
- What is the difference between pre-1903 and post-1903 Howard watches?
- Pre-1903 Howard watches were manufactured in Boston under strict quality control and are considered true collector pieces. Post-1903 examples, produced under Keystone ownership, gradually declined in quality and are generally less valuable, though early Keystone-era pieces retain some collector interest.