DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 992 Elinvar, rare Bu. Aero U.S. Navy "Aircraft Navigational Watch," 21J, 16S, chrome-plated base metal OF case with contract markings to rear, black metal dial signed "Bu. Aero U.S. Navy, G.C.T., Hamilton," SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, mono-metallic balance with blued Elinvar hairspring, wide striped pattern nickel damascene, s#2625421. Comes with a fitted wooden box bearing front plaque with Bu. Aero U.S. Navy marking. A rare late 1930s military timepiece; a total of 300 of these Grade 992 Elinvar "Aircraft Navigational Watches" were made, and these were supplied by Hamilton to the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics during the years 1937 and 1938. From the well-known Hamilton collection of Robert Bennett of Olivehurst, California.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some oxide to larger winding wheel, few small mild abrasions to main plate between smaller winding wheel and center jewel setting; dial with some small scratches and scrapes within seconds-register, fine scratch above 8, few typical small fine scratches and mild surface marks elsewhere; excellent hands; case rear and band with corresponding serial numbers but case with mismatched handscratched Roman numerals 328 inside bezel, case shows medium wear, substantial chrome loss throughout likely due to polishing with only some small bits of chrome remaining present, surface pitting and fine scratches to rear, contract markings are somewhat light but remain fully and easily legible; tight bow, crown shows light wear; plastic crystal with some small scratches to upper right perimeter. Box in fine-plus cosmetic condition overall with some typical exterior scratches and scrapes
ESTIMATE:
$800
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$1400
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