need a recommendation

[rrstd]

Scott,

The 993 is Hamilton's hunting case version of the 992. You may also want to consider the Hamilton 971 or 991 which have lower production numbers but can often times be found for about the same price range.

[John Cote]

You could also try an 18 size Hamilton, like the 941. These are fairly easy to find and are good time keepers.

Rhett has made 2 good suggestions, but I will make 2 cautionary statements. First on the Hamilton 971, which is a really really fine watch, but which is pendant set, I would watch out because there is so much that can go wrong with the setting mechanism, from case parts to setting parts that if and when it breaks it will cost you a ton to fix. Second, why a hunter in the first place. I understand the "cool factor", but as an everyday watch, you will wear out cases so fast it will make your head spin even if you are careful. There are so many things that can go wrong, from catches to springs to hinges. Get a hunter for Sunday-go-to-meetin'. Get an open face for every day.

JohnCote
President, Indiana Chapter 18 - NAWCC
Member Chapter 149 (Member #105)
http://www.interstatetime.com

[Jon Hanson]

Or, buy a common Elgin hunter in, say, 15-17 jewels and SAVE!

Jon Hanson, NAWCC #8801
Founder and President Chapter 149 (http://nawcc-ch149.com), The Early American Watch Club

[Don Dahlberg]

In case you did not catch the trend, Hamilton used even numbers for open face grades. The odd number following this was the hunter version. Thus the 993 is the hunter version of the 992, the 941 is the hunter version of 940. Hunter versions of RR grade watches were much more rare since hunter watches were not favored by railroad inspectors and by the general public.

If you do get a hunter watch, do not click the case closed. Instead depress the stem, close the cover and then release the stem. Otherwise you will wear out the lip of the cover. Similarly when you open the cover don't let the cover spring open to the end of the hinge movement. This will eventually break the hinge. Instead dampen the opening of the cover with your fingers.

Don

[terry hall]

In 17 jewel, the 973 can also be a choice. Adjusted to 5 positions

[Dr. Jon]

While on the subject consider a half hunter. This is a hunter with a small hole in it that lets you see the time without opening the front cvover. They use a special two bladed hour hand. Most of the above recommendation may be availabel as a half or demi hunter.

Dr. Jon

[Jon Hanson]

save even more--use a 975 17J Hamilton!

Jon Hanson, NAWCC #8801
Founder and President Chapter 149 (http://nawcc-ch149.com), The Early American Watch Club

[terry hall]

yep, but was trying to stay in the 5 position movements.....

961? :wink: but they aren't tooo common.......
:biggrin:

[Jon Hanson]

Shoot the wad and go for a 951--even Tom Terific was eyeballing one at GLAR! :biggrin:

Jon Hanson, NAWCC #8801
Founder and President Chapter 149 (http://nawcc-ch149.com), The Early American Watch Club

[terry hall]

a BIG wad!! :biggrin: :biggrin:

[Jon Hanson]

buy a nice 992 or 992 B to carry, daily; then also buy a real shart, original GF hunting case of the company of your choice for dress!

Jon Hanson, NAWCC #8801
Founder and President Chapter 149 (http://nawcc-ch149.com), The Early American Watch Club

[Greg Davis]

Now that you know about the wear factor on hunting cases, perhaps you've reconsidered the wisdom of aiming for an HC Hammie.

As you can tell from all the responses, there are lots of options, if you are willing to accept the wear factor. Personally, for a daily use watch, I'd suggest you go rugged. To me that means an open face coin/silveroid case. Sure, not a very impressive look, but certainly durable. Then again, how impressive is a GF case (hunter or open) once the brass starts to show?

- Greg

150941
Ch.149 member #77

[rrstd]

I would agree with Jon. Buy a 992 in a nice silveroid case for daily use.

I personally like the earlier 992's as they are much nicer looking movements than the later watches and the B's.

Rhett