how to open hamilton pocket watch

The Hamilton 992 is the most successful of all Hamilton pocket watch movements. The Hamilton Watch Company is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches based in Bienne, Switzerland.Founded in 1892 as an American company, Hamilton Watch Company ended American manufacture in 1969. Get the best deals on Hamilton Pocket Watches 1910-1919 when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. or Best Offer. Please don't be tempted to get your 12" slip-joint pliers and start working on it... you won't be happy with the results. Found an article on the internet about how to open and set it, but it honestly didn't make a lot of sense to a watch novice. To open the watch, you depress the crown (the winding knob) which is connected through a spring to the latch. Illustration of setting a Hamilton pendant-set pocket watch Common Problems with Pendant-Set Watches If your pendant-set watch won't "hold" in either the winding or setting position i.e. To wind a key wind / key set pocket watch, you'll need to carefully pry it's rear case cover open to reveal a port hole that will accommodate it's winding key. Some of the most notable were the watches they shipped overseas during World War II, when commercial watch manufacturing ceased. They’re well worth it if you’re a true collector. This simple habit will save you from a costly case or crystal repair down the road. Photo Instructions: How to Set a "Lever-Set" Pocket Watch. This example uses a Hamilton 992B Railway Special, but the instructions are very similar for any lever-set pocket watch. Crescent Watch Case Company ad for Swinging, Ring cases. The second hand is positioned where the VI would go. Tips and Tricks for Opening and Closing Various Types of Pocket Watch Cases. © 2021 The Old Timey | As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This is how to take it apart for repairs or fix. This is the most common way to deal with it. Now pay attention, because the swing-out case is the trickiest of the bunch. Make Offer - Hamilton Model 972 Pocket Watch - 16S, 17J, Stem Wind, Lever Set, Open Face Model 5 992B 16s Hamilton Railway Special 21j RR Pocket Watch 10K Gold Filled $545.00 Unlike pocket watches that can be opened by hand, wrist watches have six notches around the edge of the case back. Hamilton made a variety of pocket watch movements after the turn of the last century. $9.10 shipping. PocketTime. Both are 18 size, 21 jewels. Weekly and Horological Review, March 13, 1901. If you don't know where to find one, search the American Society of Appraisers or you can visit the website of an online appraiser, like Antique Appraisals. During World War II, they dropped their consumer products and focused on their business model to serve the allied military forces. While there’s no magical formula for quickly identifying Hamilton watches, identification is simplified significantly by the fact that Hamilton named their models and, for the most part, stuck to unique names. Hamilton 940 and 941 pocket watch. Each minute is identified by a black tick mark and every five minute interval is marked with a red number. When closing a hunter-case watch, it's important that you don't "snap" the case-lid shut. If we want to open the watch case so that we can see the movement (the working parts) of the watch, then we've got to figure out what kind of case it is. Testament to the quality of the watches it produced is the fact that most of its watches ended up being bought for use on the railways. Winding and setting your American and Swiss pocket watch Antique pocket watches come in different operational configurations and designs: An open faced model - with it's dial readily available to read, or a hunter's model - with the spring loaded covering flap. Whatever you do, don't force it. The inside of the c… Sometimes it's possible to get some corrosion between the case back and the body. If you attempt to swing the movement up and out of the case, you will feel resistance when you start bending the stem sideways. While we can't make you an antique watch expert with just a few web pages, we can share a little of our knowledge with you in order to help you learn more about your vintage or antique watch. The 992B pocket watch movment is an improved version of the 992 but it did not sell as much because in the 1940's, when the 992B came to the market, the trend was already going towards wrist watches. Using excess pressure, or not keeping good control of the blade, could result in a big scratch on your watch and a slice out of your thumb. A Collector's Guide, 7 Best Pocket Watches for Vintage Timekeeping, A Guide to Vintage Walkie-Talkies and Two-Way Radios, 7 Types of Clocks for Vintage and Antique Collectors, Types of Rocking Chairs: History and Identification, Your Guide to the History & Return of Vintage Electric Fans, 6 Best Vintage Shaving Kits for an Authentic Feel, 17 Old-Timey Sayings We Still Love to Use Today, The Poodle Skirt: Vintage Fashion Spotlight, History of the 35mm: The Original Compact Camera, An Overview of Underwood Typewriter Models, 7 Essential Shoe Making Supplies for the Modern Cobbler. They released their first watch in 1893. The mechanism is marked with “Hamilton Watch Co USA,” the number of jewels, and the model number. There are different types of pocket watches like screw-off case back, hinged back and bezel, and swing out case. And don't force anything! These watches are considered antiques, and when you take one apart, you will see that it is a work of art, both inside and out. I am a total novice about pocket watches. Reproduced from Jewelers' Circular. When looking for the number on your watch you should be looking at the serial number on the movement, not the case. While not as valuable, the S18 pocket watch, manufactured around 1897, is much more ornate. But if it doesn't open easily, don't force it or you'll break the stem. American Waltham 18s in Crescent swing-out case. Sarah is a God-fearing wife and mother of four. It said HAMILTON RAILWAY SPECIAL on the face and rested in a 10K gold filled case. The Arnex Pocket Watch: History, Values and Vintage Models, What is Cranberry Glass? Let's look at each of these in more detail: As the name suggests, the backs of these sorts of pocket watch cases simply unscrew. This is another notable collector’s piece, featuring many of the same design aspects as the first two, with minute markings on the face and a second hand at the bottom. However, a vintage Hamilton pocket watch is a thing of beauty, and if you can find one in pristine condition today, you’d be ever so lucky. You have to be careful when closing a snap-off case back to make sure you have it properly aligned. The Elgin pocket watch is a timepiece of fine class and expensive taste. Unfortunately, in that same year, Keystone went bankrupt and was bought by the Hamilton Watch Company. $789.97. $9.10 shipping. For a screw-off back, you should be able to see a seam-line that separates the back from the body of the case. There are different ways to open these pocket watches. To make it worse, when that happens, you'll be so upset that you won't notice the little broken stem part rolling around inside the case, and it will fall out and be lost, making it much more difficult for your watchmaker to reproduce the stem without being able to measure the broken pieces. The swing-ring case was advertised as the most dust-proof and moisture-proof case of its time. After 10 years of extensive research, beginning in 1931, Hamilton watch company introduced a new railroad grade pocket watch, the 992B to their wholesalers on Nov. 5th, 1940. Have recently inherited a Hamilton open face which I think may be a 944 model. In this section, you will find a nice selection of vintage railroad-grade Hamilton pocket watches that are typically considered gent's size, although in many cases would also be appropriate for a woman to carry. Sizes ranged from ladies 0-sizes up through 18-size, Hamilton's largest movements. I am a total novice about pocket watches. Get the best deals on Hamilton Pocket Watch Pocket Watches with Vintage when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items ... Hamilton 1910 950 Model 3 23j 16s Gold Fill Open Face Pocket Watch Service 3/20. if it won't "click" from one position to the other, then you likely have a broken sleeve. Vintage Pocket Watch-Hamilton 974 16s Circa 1913 w/Star 14k Gold Filled Hinged-Back Case. But here's where most folks get in trouble. More people damage their watches trying to open swing-ring cases than any other case style. Doing so will quickly wear out the spot on the case-rim where the latch engages, especially if you're lucky enough to have a solid gold case. Some of them would require a snap-off on the latch. An open-faced, or Lépine, watch, is one in which the case lacks a metal cover to protect the crystal. I've never seen a case that wasn't a standard right-hand thread, so righty-tighy lefty-loosey applies. Testament to the quality of the watches it produced is the fact that most of its watches ended up being bought for use on the railways. Underneath the back, the mechanism is marked with “Hamilton Watch Co. Lancaster PA.” in an Old English font, but this one isn’t marked with the number of jewels. The only exceptions to this are the related or subsidiary brands, like Illinois (discussed further on the “About Hamilton” page).The case back can also provide insight into the manufacturer. This is how to take it apart for repairs or fix. If you carefully examine the rim of the case, where the back meets the body, you'll usually find a small notch, just large enough to allow you to get the edge, not the tip, of your knife in the notch. The Hamilton Watch Company was incorporated in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Hamilton Watch Company succeeded from three other watch manufacturers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The first wristwatch was made in 1917 and was a 0-size, 17-jewel, 983 movement marketed to men, even though the design was originally intended for women’s pendant watches. That's because the watch movement is mounted in a ring which is hinged to the inside of the case body. American pocket watches used a system of (relatively) standard watch sizes, so it was possible for a customer to select the watch movement they wished to purchase, and then select a case to hold it. It is based on the Hamilton 992B movement with the chronograph function added. Their first series of pocket watches was called the Broadway Limited and was known as the “Watch of Railroad Accuracy.”. The inside of the back is typically stamped with the silver’s patented date. The difference is that the snap-off case back isn't threaded; it simply "snaps" into place on the back of the watch case. Free shipping on many items ... Hamilton 1910 950 Model 3 23j 16s Gold Fill Open Face Pocket Watch Service 3/20. Get the best deals on Hamilton Pocket Watches 1910-1919 when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Hold the watch in dial-up position. Great American Railroad Pocket Watch The Watch of Railroad Accuracy Hamilton Watch Company, Grade 992B. Sizes ranged from ladies 0-sizes up through 18-size, Hamilton's largest movements. This type of pocketwatch case is best opened with a case opening tool, or a watchmaker's case-knife. If the watch has a snap case, carefully open it with a flat, blunt blade to examine the movement for dirt, grime or tampering. As with a snap-off case, a careful examination of the rim of the case back will almost always reveal a little notch or wide-spot in the rim where you can insert a case-knife or very strong thumbnail to open the back. To open a swing-out case, you first remove the front bezel and crystal, which is almost always a screw-off front. The hinge is usually found at the 6:00 position, unless it's a "side-winder" watch (as in the photo below) in which case the hinge will be at the 9:00 position. So to close the cover on a hunter-case watch: first depress the latch button, then close the cover with your fingers on the edge of the cover, then release the latch button. Site Copyright: D. Stuart, Renaissance Watch Repair © 2002 - 2018. I disassemble a Hamilton 992 pocket watch. There are different ways to open these pocket watches. Because Hamilton built watches so well, many work, even if they were heavily used. Found an article on the internet about how to open and set it, but it honestly didn't make a lot of sense to a watch novice. If you try to swing the movement out and it catches partway and doesn't want to come out, try wiggling and turning the winding crown a bit to see if it will come free. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images News/Getty Images Using the magnifying glass or loupe will help identify the age the Hamilton watch. If you force it, as many people oddly seem to believe is the right way to proceed, you will almost certainly break the stem, and then you will no longer be able to wind or set the watch. The winding stem, which connects the winding knob (the crown) to the watch mechanism, is still engaged in the movement. If you own a modern, battery-powered quartz Hamilton Watch, you should know that it has no connection to the original Hamilton Watch Company. There is a dial with a second hand situated where the 6 should be. In 1950, Hamilton released the 992B model, which was a commemorative model based on the original. 940 is open face and 941 is hunter. It’s an 18-size, 17-jewel watch. * Antique Hamilton Watch Co. pocket watch o Movement serial: 319895 o Case serial: 6561268 * 17 Jewels/Adjusted * Made in Lancaster, PA o Circa 1916 * … Contact an appraiser in your area. Basic Hamilton 992B Standard Hamilton 992b movement Hamilton 4992B Hamilton 4992B pocket watch with sweep second hand To open the watch, you depress the crown (the winding knob) which is connected through a spring to the latch. Do this while sitting comfortably with the watch held low over a table or a padded surface so that it's not going to fall a long way if you accidentally drop it. Modern Hamilton Watches. It's probably one of four most common types: a screw-off back, a snap-off back, a hinged back, or a swing-out case. It is typical for an open-faced watch to have the pendant located at 12:00 and the sub-second dial located at 6:00. Both of these models are equally collectible and go for around $300 depending on condition. The face features “Hamilton Watch Co” in a beautiful scripted font. This 16-size, 21-jewel pocket watch features ornate scrollwork on the casing and was manufactured around 1908. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The case body and back are made as one piece, so there is no separation between the case back and the case body. It says HAMILTON on the face and is a 16-size, 21-jewel pocket watch manufactured around 1908. However, there are others that are just as fun to collect and won’t cost you that much at all. You'll know when you've wound enough, the key will stop winding. Sometimes the clearance between the case lid and the crystal is VERY small, and we've seen many a broken crystal from someone closing their hunter case with a big ol' thumb pushing down right in the middle of the case-lid. The transformation into the Hamilton Watch Co was made in late 1892 when Charles Rood and Henry Cain formed the company and soon the first Hamilton Pocket Watch rolled off the production line. The Hamilton 992 is the most successful of all Hamilton pocket watch movements. It says HAMILTON on the face and is a 16-size, 21-jewel pocket watch manufactured around 1908. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'theoldtimey_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',112,'0','0']));In 1950, Hamilton released the 992B model, which was a commemorative model based on the original. A snap-off case back is fully detachable from the case body, just like a screw-off case back. It's also important that you don't press the cover down into the crystal of the watch. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'theoldtimey_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',120,'0','0']));The Lancaster Watch Company was bought out by Abram Bitner, who started the Keystone Standard Watch Company. 18 size movements eventually gave way to slightly smaller 16 size movements and one of the lower priced 17 jewel 16 size movements is the 974. So the answer is simple: just be sure to pull the crown and stem out into the "setting position" before trying to swing-out the movement. The look of an elgin watch is as important as its function. Under the back cover is the mechanism, etched with “Hamilton Watch Co Lancaster, PA” and the number of jewels. If you’re in the market for a vintage Hamilton watch, you’ll find plenty of them around. Steel latch catches on the rim of the front cover of the case. Experiences over things is her mantra, and she loves rustic farmhouse decor, wood burning stoves, and old-timey practices that need to make a dramatic comeback. This watch is a fantastic timepiece, well make and just a real beauty. They feature the name HAMILTON displayed prominently on the face. They made marine chronometers, deck watches, and pocket watches for the U.S. military as well as allied troops. If you've tried to open it by hand, or maybe with the help of a rubber jar opener and still can't get it, it's probably best to let a professional attempt to take it off. Keystone had a patented dust proof watch design that they created with a mica window covering the opening in the plate of the movement. Hamilton Pocket Watch Serial Numbers Use this table to look up the serial number of your Hamilton Pocket Watch and hence the year of manufacture. It’s a unique find, and you’ll pay less than $100 for it. You adjust the wrench so that the three teeth fit snugly into three of the grooves of the watch-back and turn counter-clockwise to open. Once open, simply push the key into this port and wind in a clockwise direction. Just a little side to side wiggle of the blade is usually enough to pop it open. It was in nice shape and … No amount of bending and twisting of the case lid and hinges is going to make the latch hold once the case rim is worn out. During the railroad expansion leading up to World War I, Hamilton manufactured pocket watches and owned 56% of the market. Most of the time, the bezel is hinged as well. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the Hamilton Watch Company eventually became integrated into the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch manufacturing and … Occasionally, a watch movement intended for a hunting case (with the winding stem at 3:00 and sub second dial at 6:00) will have an open-faced case. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'theoldtimey_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',121,'0','0']));Most Broadway Limited pocket watches are 16-size, 17-jewel watches. Many still work, but you’ll pay a pretty penny for those in great condition. She enjoys spending time with her family and the great outdoors. Hamilton made a variety of pocket watch movements after the turn of the last century. Have recently inherited a Hamilton open face which I think may be a 944 model. Their first watch was an 18-size pocket watch with 17 jewels. or Best Offer. Often there's a little notch opposite the hinge where you can insert a thumbnail or case-knife to lift up the movement. It said HAMILTON RAILWAY SPECIAL on the face and rested in a 10K gold filled case. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theoldtimey_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',118,'0','0']));They eventually decided on Hamilton, named after James Hamilton, who was the son of Scottish-born lawyer Andrew Hamilton. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands ... 16s HAMILTON 10k GOLD FILLED “RAILROAD MODEL” OPEN … IllinoisWatchRepair.com, WalthamWatchRepair.com are registered trademarks. Join our free newsletter for updates about vintage and retro items we think you'll love. Steel latch catches on the rim of the front cover of the case. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'theoldtimey_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',110,'0','0']));These are some of the most collectible pocket watches Hamilton made, and they’re highly sought after by collectors everywhere. Hamilton enjoyed it’s last decade of being a powerhouse of American manufacturing in the 1950s. After 10 years of extensive research, beginning in 1931, Hamilton watch company introduced a new railroad grade pocket watch, the 992B to their wholesalers on Nov. 5th, 1940. There are different types of pocket watches like screw-off case back, hinged back and bezel, and swing out case. Like the 916, several dial and case combinations were available directly from Hamilton. A hinged case back is like a snap-off case back, except the case back is attached to the case body with a hinge. Here is the progression of advances of the Hamilton 992B line of watches. 5 out of 5 stars (3) $ 299.00 FREE shipping Favorite Add to Hamilton 992 21j 16s Railroad pocket watch running antiquewatches4u. When this happens the case can be VERY difficult to open. I disassemble a Hamilton 992 pocket watch. The case is made of a silver ore. Once again, the back is plain and the cover on the front is clear, giving visibility to the face without opening it up. Waltham pocket watches are popular with antique collectors and retailers who specialize in watches. They switched over to manufacturing only wrist watches after World War I. These cases were also called "swing-ring" or "swinging ring" cases by their original manufacturer, the Crescent Watch Case Company. Great American Railroad Pocket Watch The Watch of Railroad Accuracy Hamilton Watch Company, Grade 992B. Once the case rim is worn out, the only real option is to have it repaired by a skilled goldsmith. The inner cover, called the "cuvette", has its own separate hinge and opens just like the outer case back... except the little groove for your knife is even smaller, and it's even easier to scratch the cuvette if you slip. PocketwatchRepair.com, Pocketwatch 101™, ElginWatchRepair.com, HamiltonWatchRepair.com. Determine the Type of Pocket Watch. We hope we can provide answers to some of the more common questions you may have about your vintage watch, and help you learn more about this fascinating area of American history. The release of a celestial time zone clock for the Astra-Gnome project modeled what cars would look like in the year 2000 and the first electric watch was worn by Elvis in the movie Blue Hawaii. When opening the cover of a HC watch, hold the watch in your right hand with the crown under your right thumb and with your left hand over the cover. It’s much less likely that these still work if you find them, but they’re definitely vintage. This is the most common way to deal with it. Occasionally, old watches require repair; a Waltham pocket watch may seem difficult to open for mechanical access upon first glance, but knowing the appropriate steps simplifies the job. The steel latch is much harder than either the soft gold of a karat case, or even the gold-plated brass of a gold-filled case. Stockholders originally wanted to name the company Columbian, but the Waterbury Watch Company had a trademark on the name. If the watch has a snap case, carefully open it with a flat, blunt blade to examine the movement for dirt, grime or tampering. 18 size movements eventually gave way to slightly smaller 16 size movements and one of the lower priced 17 jewel 16 size movements is the 974. The 992B pocket watch movment is an improved version of the 992 but it did not sell as much because in the 1940's, when the 992B came to the market, the trend was already going towards wrist watches. He founded the town of Lancaster and was the original owner of the land where the factory was built. A properly functioning hunter case has a latch, usually made of steel, which catches on the rim of the front cover, usually made of gold or gold-plated brass, and keeps the cover closed. They continued American operations until 1969, when they were bought by the largest watch manufacturing company in the world, the Swatch Group. The new 992B movement first came into product, in June 27, 1940. For the first fifteen years, they only manufactured an 18-size and a 16-size. Runs well. The Hamilton watch company began business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in … Until the late 1960s, all Hamiltons are marked clearly on the dial with the word “Hamilton.” In the late 60s and thereafter, a few models reduced the brand mark to the Hamilton “H” logo, but the mark still always appeared on the dial. Once the cover is released, ease it open with your left hand, preventing it from swinging open too wildly and damaging the hinge. Web Design: Image Renaissance Digital Media. If it's a screw-off back there should be no sign of a hinge attaching the back to the body. Determine the Type of Pocket Watch. Hamilton Pocket Watch Serial Numbers Use this table to look up the serial number of your Hamilton Pocket Watch and hence the year of manufacture. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images News/Getty Images Using the magnifying glass or loupe will help identify the age the Hamilton watch. It's best if the blade is dull; you're asking for trouble if you use a really sharp knife and I won't be responsible when you bleed on the rug. The new 992B movement first came into product, in June 27, 1940. Hamilton watches are relatively easier to identify than the products of many other manufacturers. The watches are encased with a plain, solid back and a clear cover on the face. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'theoldtimey_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',105,'0','0']));Along the way, they produced many different types of watches. Even if it's a lever-set watch, you'll be able to snap the crown out a notch if it's a swing-out case. Related: Best Pocket Watches for Vintage Time-Keeping. The transformation into the Hamilton Watch Co was made in late 1892 when Charles Rood and Henry Cain formed the company and soon the first Hamilton Pocket Watch rolled off the production line. Many times, hinged case backs have both an inner and outer metal cover. I like to get the case back "hooked" on the rim on one side, and then using my thumbs slide around the perimeter of the case while applying downward pressure. I picked up a 914 a long time ago and it's been sitting on my bench with some other pocket watches, patiently awaiting it's turn at the spa. If they still work, the Broadway Limited series of pocket watches go from about $200 to $500 or more, depending on condition. Locate any serial numbers that are on your Hamilton pocket watch. Some of them would require a snap-off on the latch. When looking for the number on your watch you should be looking at the serial number on the movement, not the case. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'theoldtimey_com-box-4','ezslot_4',107,'0','0']));In 1891, Keystone merged with a watch company out of Illinois called Aurora Watch Company.Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster (Image Credit: Niagara / CC BY-SA). The back cover can be opened by prying as mentioned above. It's one of the last old-fashioned watches that's made by hand. These will become more important in the identification process down the line. Once the bezel is removed, you'll see that the movement mounting ring is hinged, usually at the 12:00 position (sometimes at the 3:00 as in the photos below). Waltham 18s side-winder in hinged front and back karat case. A special adjustable case wrench is required to open this type of case. $789.97.

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