DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 992B, 21J, 16S, gold-filled OF original Hamilton Model 17 bar-over-crown case with circular finish to rear, "Hamilton Railway Special" marked melamine DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, mono-metallic balance with Elinvar hairspring, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#4C148403. Comes with its correct blue colored box as was the norm in this vintage. This example is in extraordinary condition and appears to be unused new-old-stock, with its main deviance from as-new condition being a very small contact mark to its band which was likely acquired during handling at some point in its existence. The 4C serial numbered Grade 992B movements are uncommon and were produced in about 1970 after the termination of "regular" 992B production the preceding year. The reason for their different serial number prefix is that Hamilton made these watches by using their remaining stock of pillar plates that had been intended for future Grade 4992B production and were stamped with the 4C serial number sequence typical to 4992B production. These 4C serial numbered 992B watches (and a smaller number of similar 992B with "S" serial prefixes that were assembled from intended Grade 950B pillar plates) are often referred to as "clean up" production by Hamilton collectors and represent the last American output of railroad grade pocket watches.
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, fully wound, balance moves freely, overhaul needed as we suspect this example has likely not seen a servicing during its existence, virtually mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, nearly pristine surfaces with few negligible micro-fine contact scratches that were likely acquired during original assembly; dial flawless apart from some thin edge rub under bezel; virtually mint hands with only some surface haze to all and some bits of green colored debris to seconds-hand; case shows no wear, few minimal micro-fine contact scratches to rear, very small nick to band at 5, no dents or dings, pristine circular finish to rear; tight bow, crown shows no wear; good glass crystal; box in excellent condition with some light exterior rub in areas.
ESTIMATE:
$400
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$600
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