A Modern Take on the Dudley Pocket Watch

The Barclay Watch Co. in North Apollo, Pennsylvania is offering a unique limited edition wristwatch. For those of us poor, distressed brethren whose pocketbooks can't afford an antique Dudley pocket watch, W:.B:. Edwin L. Barclay. P.M. has created the next best thing. It is a numbered, limited edition wristwatch based on the Dudley classic symbolic design, fully visible from the watch's face.

From the Barclay website:

Brother William Wallace Dudley built his factory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, after working many years for the Hamilton Watch Company. Dudley produced pocket watches using the standard case and dial designs of that time period, but it was only upon turning the timepiece over that the exposed movement using the Masonic "emblems" was revealed.

Fewer than 6,000 of these rare pieces were ever created before the popularity of the wristwatch, which surpassed the sales of all pocket watches around 1927, forced the Dudley Watch Company to close its doors forever.

Today, Dudley's are highly desired by both pocket watch collectors and Freemasons. A Dudley with a gold case sold for $250 in the 1920's. Today, fine examples including the rare original box and paperwork can bring as much as $12,000 at auction.

Almost 90 years later... another Pennsylvania Freemason, Brother Edwin L. Barclay P.M., opens BARCLAY Watch Co., with a wristwatch designed for today's Mason.

A classic timepiece finely crafted in a 40mm solid stainless steel case, gold plated Masonic symbols, vintage crown, and an individually numbered exhibition caseback, displaying a modern 17 jewel automatic movement that never needs a battery. Presented on a padded, embossed leather strap and delivered in a deluxe presentation case.

Only 2,500 of these numbered watches will be produced. The price is currently $299, and Barclay Watch Co. is donating $40 from every watch sold, to Pennsylvania Masonic Charities (up to $100,000.)