Hamilton 922 Masterpiece

[Robert Demers]

In the 2003 edition of the Shugart's Price Guide, on page 227 the are 5 listings for the 922. I know what the two marked Masterpieces are (the 18K and Platinum version) and I undersuand what the one marked 14K is but I am confused by the other two listings.

One looks like a plain 922 (it says nothing anout the case) and the last one is listed as "922 MP, Gold Filled, Hamilton Case". Could someone explain the difference between these two.

Thanks,

Bob Demers

[Robert Demers]

In the 2003 edition of the Shugart's Price Guide, on page 227 the are 5 listings for the 922. I know what the two marked Masterpieces are (the 18K and Platinum version) and I undersuand what the one marked 14K is but I am confused by the other two listings.

One looks like a plain 922 (it says nothing anout the case) and the last one is listed as "922 MP, Gold Filled, Hamilton Case". Could someone explain the difference between these two.

Thanks,

Bob Demers

[Jon Hanson]

Some are signed "Masterpiece" and others are signed 922?

[Jerry Treiman]

There are a few differences that I am aware of between the marked grade 922 Masterpiece and the grade 922. The marked Masterpiece is, obviously, marked "Masterpiece" on the center bridge and it also has an Invar balance wheel (distinguished by the cut in the balance rim being further out from the balance arm - see small inset in the attached photo). The standard 922 is marked with the grade number near the crown wheel whereas the 922MP is not. The 922MP always came in an 18K gold or platinum case, but I have also seen some standard 922s in an 18K case. The 922 also came in gold-filled but I have not seen a 922MP in gold-filled, so I am not sure what Shugart's 5th listing is for.

http://www.nawcc-mb.com/OMBpics/Images/101088_HMP.jpg

[Jerry Treiman]

To confuse things a little, prior to 1928 Hamilton cased some 922s without a grade number or Masterpiece name in special cases. These are still listed in the serial number records as grade 922MP. The example I have (attached photo) does not have an Invar balance but is in the special 18K hand-carved Masterpiece case. Hamilton also used the Masterpiece name later on some of their 10-size watches (grades 923 & 945), some of which were in solid gold and some in gold-filled.

http://www.nawcc-mb.com/OMBpics/Images/101088_MPunmarked.jpg

[Don Dahlberg]

This is the problem with price guides.

The 922 was sold in a very large number of case styles that were 14K, 14K Extra Heavy, 18K, 18K Extra Heavy and 14 K gold filled. A given style of case had more than one type of bow. Previous to 1928, lots of 922's were taken thru the factory without grade numbers and these watches were used in Masterpiece and special cases. These include hand-made extra heavey 18K gold and platinum cases. Many 922 were used as presentation watches and were handled special. 922 production was listed as 16,900 of which 1,200 were Masterpieces.

Five vague listing does not begin to tell the 922 story.

Don Dahlberg

[Robert Demers]

Thanks everyone for your help. It can get very confusing for a novice (maybe even an expert) out there! :smile:

This board is a great resourse.

Bob Demers