Hamilton,model 921 - dating.

[watchme]

I have a Hamilton model 921 and would like to obtain info or links t o ascertain the features of the movement and it's age.

The movement srl # is H-14096 and it is marked 921 - SPEC.

Any info gratefully acknowledged.

[watchme]

Here is an image of the 921 movement:

[Don Dahlberg]

According to Hamilton records (http://hamiltonhorology.com/gelson/Image22.jpg) it dates about 1940-1.


You did not show us the case. If you can, we can give you more info. Here is the Watt from the 1941 catalog.

Don

[Don Dahlberg]

Whoops, hit the wrong button. :o

Here is the Watt

Don

[Kent]

watchme:

According to the serial number vs. date table on page 159 of Hamilton Hand-Written Serial Numbers No. 1 To 824,700, by Col. George E. Townsend, by Roy Ehrhardt, Heart of America Press (http://www.hoapress.com), Kansas City, MO, 2000 (May still be in print), No. 921 serial number H-14096 falls inbetween the runs:

H10001-H14000 (1939-1940) and
H14101-H17000 (1940-1941).

It may be an error in that the run was really H14001-H17000, or it may not and watches in the range H14001-H14000 were built at some other time, not shown.

Page 55 of the book Hamilton Serial Numbers and Production Figures with Price Guide, Roy Ehrhardt, Heart of America Press (http://www.hoapress.com), Kansas City, MO, 1981 (may still be in print) reproduces a 1949 catalog cut and description of the grade No. 921:

"10-size, 21 jewels. Jeweled motor barrel. Elinvar-Extra hairspring and monometallic balance wheel. Two-piece friction fit balance staff. Micrometric regulator. Nickel-silver plate and bridges, rhodium plated, handsomely damadkeened. Adjusted to temperature and five positions."

I see that Don answered while I was typing, even if its not clear Watt he was saying.

[watchme]

Gentlemen;
I thank you for your input - that was most helpful.

I will post an image of the dial/case which i hope is additionally helpful.

[watchme]

I should have added that the case is a 14K solid gold one.

[watchme]

I should have added that the case is a 14K solid gold one.

Would the "SPEC" inscription on the movement have any particular significance?
If it was a "Special" could this account for the gap in the serial numbers??

[Jerry Treiman]

??? Why don't I see "SPEC" anywhere in the movement picture?

[Don Dahlberg]

You picture is rather small, but I think it is the Watt. It is the only one with that shape of bow. Compare your watch with the picture from the catalog that I posted earlier.

It cost the wholesaler $56, retailer $70 and the customer $125. This is with the applied gold numberals like yours. The Watt was sold only in a 14K yellow gold case.

The 921 was sold in eight solid gold cases and seven gold filled cases. In addition it was used in the Masterpiece in 1937 before the 923 was produced. Finally it was installed in some 12 size cases using a ring to fill the gap. These inclued three gold filled and four solid gold 12 size cases. All of these are white gold.

I have no reference to the "spec" escept in reference to a 14k gold filled case called the Frigidaire, Spec (Presentation Watch).

Perhaps this is a better picture of the Watt from the 1937 catalog.

Don

[watchme]

Thanks again guys;
I have been blown away by your kind assistance.
I apologize for the reference to "SPEC" . That came from a site that
I surfed thru earlier and it made a ref to that term.

With the input I have received from you guys I am now comfortable that
this is a Watts model dating from 1940-41. I will no w be able to talk
intelligently to my grandson about the origins and features of this fine
timepiece. Perhaps I will go up a notch in his estimation !!!!

[Robert Sweet]

According to the (late) Roy Ehrhardt's Hamilton Watch Co. " Production Figures with Grade and Serial Numbers- Identification and Price Guide", there were 37,749, 921's made from 1936 to Dec. 31, 1948.

The Gelson's serial number table shows that the 921 serial numbers run from H001 in 1936 to H54000 in 1954.

Robert

[watchme]

Hi again guys;

One further piece of information has come to light I think - Is there such a thing as an A.G.N. dial?? What do the initials stand for?

Watchme.

[Don Dahlberg]

It is in my previous responses. See the first catalog post. Applied Gold Numeral dial. You could also go for the painted black numerals on the dial for a smaller price.

Don

[watchme]

Thank you Don;

I failed to associate your earlier response to the initials.
You will have recognized that I am a real dummy on horological matters - but to redress that situation I shall keep an eye on this BB

watchme