Hamilton Pocketwatch
I’m hoping someone out there in Watch Crunch land can shed some light on this Hamilton Pocketwatch which belonged to my Great Grandfather (born 1860s). My father gave it to me today. All we know is it was his grandfather’s. Any insight y’all might have would be much appreciated! Gave the crown a few turns and it’s running. But I can’t figure out how to set the time!
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Eclectic collector: Swiss…Japanese…cheap…not cheap…big name brand...micro brand…mechanical…automatic…handwinder…quartz…homage…luxury…in-house…workhorse…it’s all good!
Sooner Nation
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6.75” / 17.15 cm
If the watch isn’t equipped with keyless works there might be a small pin in the case next to the crown that is to be pressed in Order to set the time.
If you want actual data on it, you need to share the ref. and serialnumber. Usually behind the caseback.
I love it!
If the watch isn’t equipped with keyless works there might be a small pin in the case next to the crown that is to be pressed in Order to set the time.
If you want actual data on it, you need to share the ref. and serialnumber. Usually behind the caseback.
Pressing the crown and turning winds the watch but doesn’t set it. Can’t figure that part out. Not sure if it’s the watch or it is operator error 🤓
If the watch isn’t equipped with keyless works there might be a small pin in the case next to the crown that is to be pressed in Order to set the time.
If you want actual data on it, you need to share the ref. and serialnumber. Usually behind the caseback.
I’ll have to take it to a watchmaker. I can see and feel the seam in the case but don’t trust myself to attempt taking the watch apart.
While the watchmaker has it, ask him these questions:
1) How many jewels? (Needs 17+ to be railroad qualified.)
2) How many positions can it be set to? (Needs 5+ to be railroad qualified.)
If it is a railroad qualified watch, then you have an extremely valuable piece in your possession. The no-name brands that met railroad standards go for $500+ USD these days. A Hamilton that is railroad qualified will fetch a heck of a lot more than that. (I don't know enough to say how much more, but I do know that it's probably in excess of $1,000+USD.)
Based on the wear spots between 5 and 6 where the brass is showing through, the case appears to be gold filled rather than solid gold. Think electroplated, but with a thicker layer of gold.
The lack of spotting on the dial suggests it's an enamel dial -- be very gentle with it, it's prone to cracking. That said, if the enamel remains uncracked, that paint will never fade.
The hands are heat blued and gorgeous Breguet-style.
Based on the wear spots between 5 and 6 where the brass is showing through, the case appears to be gold filled rather than solid gold. Think electroplated, but with a thicker layer of gold.
The lack of spotting on the dial suggests it's an enamel dial -- be very gentle with it, it's prone to cracking. That said, if the enamel remains uncracked, that paint will never fade.
The hands are heat blued and gorgeous Breguet-style.
No surprise it’s gold filled vice solid gold. My grandfather and great grandfather were Missouri farmers not Wall Street bankers 😁
Pull the tab out here to set the time
Pull the tab out here to set the time
There’s no tab there. There’s no mechanism to open the case to reveal a tab. I suspect it’s set by the crown but is not in working order.
Oh ok
Does the front twist off?
the bezel does not, as far as I can see or feel, unscrew. The bezel has a pattern, but it’s worn smooth ( you can see it but not feel it) so no nothing to grip and turn. The seam on the case is barely visible and I can’t see or feel a notch to open it.
Will take it to a local watch and clock repair shop when I get home, see what they can do.
Based on the wear spots between 5 and 6 where the brass is showing through, the case appears to be gold filled rather than solid gold. Think electroplated, but with a thicker layer of gold.
The lack of spotting on the dial suggests it's an enamel dial -- be very gentle with it, it's prone to cracking. That said, if the enamel remains uncracked, that paint will never fade.
The hands are heat blued and gorgeous Breguet-style.
Yes, I love the hands and breguet numerals. It’s a looker and it does run. Will put it on my timegrapher when I get home. Then see about getting it serviced.
While the watchmaker has it, ask him these questions:
1) How many jewels? (Needs 17+ to be railroad qualified.)
2) How many positions can it be set to? (Needs 5+ to be railroad qualified.)
If it is a railroad qualified watch, then you have an extremely valuable piece in your possession. The no-name brands that met railroad standards go for $500+ USD these days. A Hamilton that is railroad qualified will fetch a heck of a lot more than that. (I don't know enough to say how much more, but I do know that it's probably in excess of $1,000+USD.)
Will do. I’d be surprised if it was railroad spec though. My great grandfather was a farmer.
Will do. I’d be surprised if it was railroad spec though. My great grandfather was a farmer.
Well, I own like 4 dive watches and I've never been diving 😎 (Swimming, yes, snorkeling, yes, but never diving.)
Just sayin'. 😎
Unscrew the front bezel there is a little lever under the clasp that will free the hands from the motion
You can find out more about the mobement one you open the case by putting the serial number in the pocket watch database. Should tell you date of manufacture and details on movement including the grade.
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/
BTW, beautiful watch. I love the dial and hands. Those numerals 😍