Question about "first runs"

[Dbailey]

I'm trying to understand how the first run of some watches seem to be more coveted by collectors than the first runs of others, for instance, I have a first run #928 Hamilton (pictured below) and Shugart's Price Guide doesn't differentiate the value between that and the later runs, while other grades, like the 937, have higher values for the first run movements than the subsequent runs...are the production numbers of the grades or runs a factor?...I see there were 200 of the 928s produced in that first run with a production total of 5,007 for the grade...any input would be appreciated!
Dennis B

[Jon Hanson]

I'm trying to understand how the first run of some watches seem to be more coveted by collectors than the first runs of others, for instance, I have a first run #928 Hamilton (pictured below) and Shugart's Price Guide doesn't differentiate the value between that and the later runs, while other grades, like the 937, have higher values for the first run movements than the subsequent runs...are the production numbers of the grades or runs a factor?...I see there were 200 of the 928s produced in that first run with a production total of 5,007 for the grade...any input would be appreciated!
Dennis B

Hi,

1. Demand.

2. Ideas/pricings of the authors which includes errors and omissions. Not all price listings in the guide are consistent.

3. And, some first runs have low numbers.

[John Pavlik]

Dennis,

Don't know the answer to your question, it may have something to do with the number in the first run.. 20 for the 937 and being a 4 digit number, close to the begining..... nice watch thought.. And another

[Dbailey]

I see our serial #s are close! You've cleaned your movement and I haven't done so yet...very nice!
Dennis B

[rrstd]

Dennis,

In general, I’m not sure a large number of collectors place much of a premium on the majority of first run watches. There are exceptions, like in the case of early production or historically significant models. These exceptions and the resulting premiums, vary depending on the item and interest among major collectors.

The understand the significance of the first run 937’s, one must consider the fact that Hamilton assigned serial numbers in blocks and many of these watches were started and finished at virtually the same time as the some of the first run 936’s (serial numbers 1- 20). As a matter of fact, the Hamilton ledgers show the first examples of each grade (not necessarily in serial number order) being received into finishing on November 25, 1893 and shipped on December 9, 1894. In short, some of these first run 937’s were among the first Hamilton’s to leave the factory.

Rhett

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Dennis,

Neat watch. Years ago, as I recall, I picked up #18004 (or so) which was a private label. I will check my records to see if I have any data available on it.

Greg

[HenryB]

Dennis

I am in the same boat as you with this first run Hammie 929, with total production at about 5900

[Dbailey]

Makes sense to me Rhett...thanks!
Dennis