Hamilton Model 22

[Neuron]

I just purchased this Hamilton Model 22 chronometer watch at a local chapter meeting.

It came with the inner gimbaled case in pretty good shape. The markings on the tub and bezel match (1178). I haven't yet opened the tub to check the movement SN, but the watch was ticking away and keeping good time for the 24 hours after I brought it home . I got it on Sunday, fully wound, and it finally stopped this afternoon because the MS had wound down. So I assume there is nothing major wrong with it, though I assume it will need a cleaning and lubrication, and I plan to do that before I let it run further.

Two questions:

1) I'd like to get hold of a copy of the service manual for this Model 22 chronometer watch; and, 2) I'd like to get an outer case to put it in.

I'd appreciate any help from other members.

It also seems to me that this tub's 1941 USN Bu of Ships date and its SN is pretty low, so I'd guess that this is an early model 22. So it seems likely that this 22 would have been earmarked for actual naval service in WWII. If it was used in service, it, along with its case, shows very little evidence of wear.

 

[Andy Dervan]

Hello Neuron,

They should run about 36 hours.

Finding an outer box maybe difficult. Gary Sellick makes reproduction outer boxes for chronometers and deck watches; I tried to get one from him a few years ago, but he did not have any in stock and was not sure when he would make any more of them as he was having problems finding the hardware.

I would keep eye on ebay for Hamilton manuals. Contact NAWCC Library as it has an extensive Hamilton collection. Google search "Hamilton Model 22" and see what pops up. There are few individuals who sell parts for Hamilton chronometers - Hamilton Military Watches email detent21@aol.com.

Andy Dervan

 

[Neuron]

Thanks Andy,

I'll check out the library first and hopefully will find the maintenance manual somewhere. I did find Model 21 free pdf files online, but none for the 22. Eventually I hope to get a Model 21, but they seem scarce and pricey... even the 22's on ebay seem quite overpriced, so I'm glad I found the 22 at a local Chapter mart. Even though it doesn't seem to need any replacement parts, it might be a good idea just to go ahead and pick up a spare mainspring, HS, and balance in case of a future need. I understand these used a 60 inch MS, a special "ovalized" balance wheel, and a specially designed Elinvar white HS.

Yes, it did run at least 36 hours. When it stopped, the wind indicator was a bit beyond the 46 mark. I don't want to wind it again till I have inspected and lubricated the movement. I did open it up and here's a picture of the back plate:

The SN is 2F349, which makes it an part of an early wartime run. It appears to be in excellent condition, and should be no more difficult than a 992B to service, but I will wait for the manual on the chance that there may be some tricky peculiarities to the 22. Despite the low SN's of both the movement and the tub, it may never have gone into service. That might explain it's appearing unused. On the other hand I guess that most of these boxed timepieces were treated with care.

 

[Ralph]

The mainspring might not be a bad idea... I don't know why you would need a hairspring or balance.

If you want to stock parts, I would recommend the 'spring, safety setting' . Item #1 in fig 55 for the Model 22 breakdown at

http://hamiltonparts.com/hamilton1.htm

The outer boxes show up on ebay regularly.

Ralph

 

[Neuron]

Thanks! I'll look for the setting spring, as I guess that part sometime did break. I see that there are three MS's...the standard (195) and thin/thick (190/200) versions, which I guess were used to correct timekeeping problems. I'm guessing mine came with the standard MS, but perhaps I should get all three if I can find them. Re the balance and HS, I don't expect I'll need them if I take care with regular maintenance, but if they aren't too expensive I'd feel better off having them on hand. Might be useful to have on hand to fix other 22's I come across...