Where is the serial number on an old Hamilton pocket watch?

[Craftgeek]

I have been given an old hamilton pocket watch that I am trying to date.

Here is a picture of the inside case and movement:

http://craftgeeks.com/forum-files/misc/HamiltonPocketWatch2.png

And here is a picture of the face:

http://craftgeeks.com/forum-files/misc/HamiltonPocketWatch1.png

The serial number inside the case back is 72682.

I can't find a serial number on the movement and from what I have read here, that is the critical bit of info that would accurately date the watch. Can anyone tell me where I could find it

[RON in PA]

Between the plates, between USA and the regulator. You may need a loupe or magnifying glass.

[Robert Sweet]

Craftgeek,
Welcome to the NAWCC American pocket watch message board.

The 10 size Hamiltons were first introduced in 1936.

The 917 (17 Jewel) and 921 (21 Jewel) were both introduced in 1936. According to Roy Ehrhardt's Hamilton "Identification and Price Guide" there were 156,391, 917's made as of Dec. 31, 1948. The 917 continued to be made after that date, but I'm not sure of the date when it was discontinued.

Robert

[Don Dahlberg]

Here is the Howe with the E-04 dial from the 1936 Hamilton catalog. It appears your bow has been replaced.

29292

Don

[Craftgeek]

Thanks all.

I'll check for the serial number this evening.

I have a couple of additional questions:

Is the bow the part the fob chain connects to?

The crystal is badly scratched and seems to be made of plastic, or at least feels that way when I tap it against a tooth. They weren't originally made that way were they?

Thanks again
Sean

[Don Dahlberg]

Yes, the bow is where the watch chain attaches to the watch.

The crystals were indeed glass.

Don

[Craftgeek]

Double checked the crystal and it is plastic.

The Serial number on the Movement is X2192. I don't recall seeing that in the serial number lists that I found. Does anyone here recognize it?

And now a slightly off topic question:

It looks like the watch and movement may have little value as a collectable.
How likely is is that I will be able to get it serviced with a new crystal for daily use? Or is this "just not done"?

[Veritas]

Craftgeek.Any good watch repair person should be able to properly service your watch.Depending where you live someone can help you.As you know it likely won,t be cheap.You have a nice watch there, and a glass crystal would likely make the watch look nicer too.

[Kent]

....
How likely is is that I will be able to get it serviced with a new crystal for daily use? Or is this "just not done"?

You might consider The Escapement
http://static.flickr.com/45/120095643_673b3aa186_o.jpg (https://home.comcast.net/~k_singer/Escapement.htm)
Click for info.

[Craftgeek]

You might consider The Escapement
http://static.flickr.com/45/120095643_673b3aa186_o.jpg (https://home.comcast.net/%7Ek_singer/Escapement.htm)
Click for info.
Thanks. I'll give them a call if I can't find something within a hundred miles or so.

I live in northern Colorado, Loveland to be exact. Is there a good watch restorer within a couple hours drive?

Also. Does anyone know the age (approx) of the movement with a serial number of X2192?

Thanks again
Sean

[Craftgeek]

Re the date question:
I was digging through the mounds of info and found a reference by Kent to "Serial Numbers and Grades - Hamilton 1947 Materials Catalog (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/37816250_c7b7ca933b_o.jpg)". (Thanks Kent)
One of the links lead to a scan of page 16 that lists letter prefix serial numbers. The last entry says "X-001 to X-125000 917".

Does this mean that my 917 movement with a serial number of X2192 was made in 1947?

[Robert Sweet]

Craftgeek,
According to Hamilton's official serial number records (Halligan/Gelson List) your 917 was made abt. 1936-37.

Robert

[Craftgeek]

Craftgeek,
According to Hamilton's official serial number records (Halligan/Gelson List) your 917 was made abt. 1936-37.

Robert

Thank you Robert!

The watch belonged to my wife's grandfather and by the look of it, it must have given him many years of service. He passed in 1961. I don't think it has been wound since then.

So, I'll get it restored as much as possible and put it back into daily use. I think he'd like that.

Does anyone know of a shop that I can trust in Colorado? Or will I need to ship it?

Sean

[Robert Sweet]

You are welcome.

Below is an excerpt from the 1936 Hamilton Catalog, the first year for the 917.

You will note that the 917 has the new "Elinvar" hairspring that was first introduced in 1931.

Robert

[Craftgeek]

You are welcome.

Below is an excerpt from the 1936 Hamilton Catalog, the first year for the 917.

You will note that the 917 has the new "Elinvar" hairspring that was first introduced in 1931.

Robert

Interesting. I found this about Elinvar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elinvar) on Wikipedia. Thanks.