A “Hamilton 21” what is it???

[Ned L]

Obviously this isn’t a 21, or even remotely close, but what is it? The tub is full size and a heavy cast brass, the same size as a 21, and it shares almost the same dial. I know that in the 70’s Hamilton made a run of true 21 replicas (I have the original marketing literature that I sent way for back then.)
I presume this was a later sort of commemorative, or replica piece but I have not seen one before. Does anyone have an idea of when these were produced and how they were marketed?

 

[Ned L]

It seems I found my own answer….. I pulled out my 1984 Hamilton literature for their replica “21” chronometer offering (I had remembered it as being sometime in the ‘70’s.).
This appears to be a dead match. The literature also described it as a lever escapement movement. (Another wrong memory,…. I had thought they were legitimate detent reproductions.)
The cost when new, ...... $1595.
Now I have the chronometer to go with the literature. Lol, ....... it's usually the other way around.

... And I already have a box w/ gimbal for it, and it can sit next to my real '21'.

 

[Dr. Jon]

That price would have gotten a real one!

 

[Ned L]

My thought too! (Or at least better hands on it, they are rather inferior! Lol )

 

[Dr. Jon]

I am always astounded that the replica/re-issue Hamilton items cost more than originals and people buy them.

 

[Incroyable]

For $1595 you can still get a true Victorian English marine chronometer at auction today.

I wonder how much Thomas Mercer charged for a true marine chronometer in the '70s?