‘Dividing our time’
Friday, April 23, 2010 at 11:38AM
“…for the more noble and glorious purposeof dividing our time.”
Earlier this evening, Bro. Aaron made a comment on Facebook about the famous Dudley Masonic Emblem Watch. We’ve all seen one, even if only from a distance. It’s one of those dreamy heirlooms from the 1920s many desire, but few obtain.
The Magpie Mason only gets to look at ’em in museums and other displays.
This beautiful specimen is inside one of the glass display cases in the lodge anteroom at Philanthropic Lodge in Marblehead, Massachusetts. I had the good fortune to visit earlier this month while on my way to Lexington for the symposium.
The card next to the watch reads:
The Dudley Masonic pocket watch is a classic of watch-making excellence. Designed by William Wallace Dudley and manufactured by the Dudly Watch Company of Pennsylvania about 1920-1925, only a few thousand were ever made. The unique design feature of the watch is that Masonic working tools were used as the bridgework to support the gears. The watch had a crystal on the back so the beauty of the internal works could be enjoyed.
There is more to be learned in the ads that marketed this timepiece to the brethren. The September 1926 issue of The Master Mason magazine includes this advertisement:
Generous terms of sale. I wish it listed the retail price. As this edition of The Magpie Mason goes to press, one of these watches is being offered on eBay by a seller in Cape Cod. The bidding currently is at $2,125.99. Interestingly, a seller in Maryland is offering the original paperwork that once must have accompanied an original buyer’s purchase. I wonder if that first owner had responded to the magazine ad.
Speaking of Lexington, there is another pocket watch highly prized by Masons and collectors that is on exhibit at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library: the Arbaco.
Its triangular shape is similar to the Waltham, one of which also can be had on eBay now.
Reader Comments (3)
my mom recently came into possesion of a masonic pyramid pocket watch(arbaco) gold color. the only information i can find or its value keep bringing me back to your website where one of these watches was donated to a museum
contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.-IWC GST / Aquatimer Swiss made watches
Dear Brothers,
Christopher Hodapp (author of "Freemasons for Dummies") called it- "A Modern Take On The Dudley Pocket Watch," in his recent (8/19) blog.
I am writing to inform you of a very special timepiece my company has created- "The MASONIC," by BARCLAY Watch Co., which was inspired by the original Dudley pocket watch. A numbered limited edition of only 2,500 pieces are being produced. It is the first item ever endorsed by the R.W.G.M. of PA, Thomas Sturgeon.
It has appeared in the August 2011 issue of Pennsylvania FREEMASON Magazine and the September issue of the KNIGHT TEMPLAR Magazine, and will be in both publications again in November.
During our "MAKING TIME for CHARITY" event, we are donating $40 from the sale of every watch to PA Masonic Charities. "The MASONIC" has also been specially priced at only $299 with free shipping. We hope to raise $100,000 for the charity by December. Anything you could do to help us spread the word would be greatly appreciated.
A timepiece- "By a Mason, For a Mason...Like no other."
Our web site is: www.barclaywatch.com
Fraternally,
Ed Barclay
CEO
BARCLAY Watch Co.