Hamilton Dial Question

February 19, 2008, 10:22

Mike Hodge

Some early Hamilton 16s dials were 4 footed. Are original stock replacements difficult to find? Also, does the 975 (1915 production) use a 4 footed dial? I know someone will know.

February 19, 2008, 20:01

Philip Bee

Hi Mike - Yes I have a nice 972 movement Hamilton that I have been trying to find a D/S 4 ft dial for...will expect to pay $200!!?? Of course I would REALLY like a Ferguson Dial ( Have NOS Canadian Hamilton Hands to suit) Took a punt on a 974 on Ebay - got nice D/S dial - but a 3 foot one - darn....Not sure of 975, but the 950 is 4 foot also!

February 19, 2008, 21:14

Lindell V. Riddle

The break-off point on change-over from four-foot-dials is around number 872000 on Hamilton 992 movements. Since the 992 would have been fast selling and the fact movements were not necessarily produced in chronological order some other grades would not have gone to three-foot dials until a bit later.

Finding a "perfect" Hamilton dial in four-foot configuration is nearly impossible. Also keep in mind that in the late 1920s and early 1930s time-frame some factory replacements were made. When you find a Hamilton block-letters signature on a four-foot dial it is one of those replacements and therefore not acceptable to a knowledgeable collector. Always be careful about finding a dial that is correct in every way.

February 20, 2008, 18:47

Philip Bee

Thanks for the info. Lindell... No wonder I cannot find any!
Mike : attached photos of 972 showing 4 foot, and nice GOLD screws...also Dial I have been trying to clean up - received with watch with glued up chip!