OK, gentlemen . . . I am happy for you guys to settle this:

• Watch can be Hamilton or Howard, from either mid-20th or late 19th century
• chronometer / timekeeping accuracy is an important attribute
• case can be steel or gold
• decorated movement would be a nice feature
• clean, legible dial preferred . . . "railroad" would be a nice word to see on the dial
• size not really critical, as it is unlikely to find its way into a pocket . . . more likely to sit on a desk stand
• overall build / construction is important
• budget can go up to $750 (+/-).

: . . . it's just . . . I don't know, I've always been a bit of a
: sucker for sheer aesthetics but it's SO much more visually
: appealing to me. You know what they say, though: the heart has
: its reasons whereof reason knows nothing ;) .

: By the way I think as Jeff's interest in great classic American
: pocket watches has been piqued we might tempt him with some
: Howard RR chronometers, no? I have always had a weak spot for
: that company's size 12 21 jewel dress watches too. Drop-dead
: gorgeous and still an almost unbelievable bargain (yes, there
: are still bargains out there ;-) ).

: Jack