What do you think of this Hamilton..Nowhere on the watch except the dial does it say it is a Hamilton..I have had it for years and ran accross it the other day.All the parts look like they are there so I might just put it together..Does anyone have any idea why there and no markings on the movement except the serial number..

#1

#2

is the serial number 80718?

You can also look at the plates on the inside to see if the numbers match up (depending on space, all of the number might not be listed, but at least the last four should be stamped in).

One of the online databases said that it could be a 972, although the markings look like a 974.

Gary I looked up the number in the price guide and it shows it as a 974 and the demaskeen supports that. The balance cock is marked and so is the plate with the winding wheels as it has an arrow on it so that only leaves the plate that is usually marked with HWC, Lancaster, 17 Jewels. See if that plate has a number stamped on the bottom and see if it matches the serial number on the other plate. My guess is that it will not have a number stamped on it. If it does have a number and it matches my guess and it is strictly a guess is that it may have been a mistake or it may have been part of a 200 private label run where the customer did not want the movement marked. The dial that you have with it is not period correct so it could have had a private label name on the dial.

I have not seen this before but I have one that is fully marked but where the 974 is stamped in later models this one is stamped "Monroe." but this is an early model. Maybe someone that definitely knows will shed some light on the subject or maybe you can find a picture of another movement in the same run 80701 - 80900.

Harry and Dan,
Just got back and pulled the plate over the 4th wheel and it has the serial number stamped also...All plates and cock have the serial number 80718 stamped on them..It seems like an odd duck to me and I was wondering if anyone else had seen one like this before..

Sorry Gary then the private label theory is all I have. Hopefully you can find an answer as I would like to know also. Good luck.

I will go along with the PL theory

I imagine that's all that we can say, other than it's a Grade 974 from 1902.

regards,
bb

Gary, the Hamilton ledgers show this watch as a 974 finished 11-3-1902 and sold 11-24-1902 to Paul & Co. Boston, one of Hamilton's agents. The information I have says that many of the 974s were finished as special orders with the jeweler's name or a trade name on the bridges and the dial.

Bob

Paul & Co. was owned by Alfred J. Paul, this is from 1902.

Thanks for the info fellows...Very interesting...Now if I can find a Paul and Co dial I would be in business..Anyboby got a NOS one laying around..LOL...What should a age approiate dial for this watch look like? It is a four foot dial..

"Hamilton Watch Co." in cursive script in a SS dial would be nice as they were used until 1905.

regards,
bb

Buster,
Thanks for the info. I will be looking for one...

Gary I had several of those PL dials a few days ago but a rush of sales took my last one. As for the dial you need the Hamilton Watch Co. signature in script SS dial should be available on ebay if you keep your eyes open.

Also if you have a DS dial of the same type that would have been available for an addition cast back then and would be period correct but most people would not want to put a DS 4 footed dial on a 974, me included.

Harry,
I will look thru what I have here but I don't think I have anything...I will keep an eye on the bay...I saw one last night but I could probably buy 2 watches for what the BIN price was for the dial..I have had this watch for about 15 years, so I think its time to get it going...I will post some pictures when I get it finished...Thanks everyone for all the input on this watch...Gary

Gary,
I find it better to try and pick up on old busted movement that has a good dial. Instead of paying $55 - $75 for a dial I will pay $45 - $55 for a complete movement with a broken balance.

I do have a double stamped 4 footed Swiss reproduction dial that is a very fine looking dial I can sale you if you decide to go that route. I have $37 in it.

Harry

Harry,
Thanks but I think I will try to find a original dial for it...I will keep my eye out for a movement with a good dial...Definitely the way to go...

I agree 110% Gary. Good Luck.

Gary, your email is not working for me. Send me an email, I might have a dial for you.