The images below show an example of a private label watch with the jeweler’s name “Frank E. In some instances, the name on the dial was not a recognized maker but displayed a private label.
Lever and cylinder escapement pocket watches (non-Fusee) were produced in abundance throughout Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries. Carefully sliding a lever will remove the dust cover gaining access to the movement for identification. These early movements used a mechanism called a chain-driven “fusee.” These typically had two cases, an outer shell and an inter case that swings out, exposing the dust cover. Watches from the 1700s-1800s will usually have the origin and name of the maker engraved on the movement (the movement is the inside workings of the watch). Early verge fusee pocket watch movement with maker engraved on the plate.