For a lot less that 100 bucks, I got this nice (very dirty when it arrived) 18s Hamilton from an eBayer who called it an "old watch, cant open it but it runs sometimes". (Seller's pictures this and next one)

Its pretty bad, but it is some sort of low serial Hamilton . . . Right?

So I clean it up replace the crystal and the Crown, see a nice dial!

But during the cleaning I have to keep pinching myself because of the less than 13,000 18s 15 Jewel movements Hamilton ever made, this is one of only 4997 15 Jewel model 928s made from 1895 to 1900 . . .

. . . . and the parts look like they came out of Hampden's factory! So is this a Hampilden?

Nice rare Hamilton, Dave...I've also always thought the 18s Hampdens look a great deal like Hamiltons, The regulator and the slight difference in the shape of the top plate over the barrel are the only real difference.Love those Hampdens! I wish someone would start up a Hampden-o-holic club, I'd join up!

I'me already there and you cna be the first "recruit"! I do think that Hampdens deserve a thread on our site. Lindell?

Having a specific Hampden Research Forum could develop as interest increases.

As the decade of the 1890s began Hampden Watches had great following with railroad men all across the US and Canada, in fact in those days Hampdens were the Railroad Watch of first choice. That is the same time-frame in which Webb C. Ball was buying Hampden movements with his name on the dial and eventually marked on the movement. Later, competitive issues would destroy their relationship. What follows is the short version of why we see so much similarity between the 18-size Hampden and Hamilton movements.

Mike Harrold, author of "American Watchmaking" has reported in this very forum about some of the the interestingly intertwined relationships in the early years of the watchmaking industry such as the daughter of James Abbe, (yes, our David is related!) a former President of Hampden marrying one Charles Rood who would later play an active role in creating the Hamilton Watch Company. Rood, along with Henry Cain, who was formerly a Hampden Factory Superintendent bought the remnants of the Aurora Watch Company, its inventory and machinery. They then acquired the former Lancaster Watch Company factory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There they combined it all and with the help of some other former Hampden engineers and technical people designed the early 18-size Hamilton. Within the next decade that venerable movement would become recognized as "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy" and achieve the immense popularity it enjoys to this day.

The old adage "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" comes to mind. The layout of these two movements is so very similar, as shown in David's photo-merge above, that many collectors easily confuse Hampden with Hamilton and vice-versa on a regular basis. Some private label versions are very often misidentified. Simply stated the Hamilton 18-size was based on the Hampden design for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that Hampden was the top Railroad Watch at the time and everyone knew it.

If anyone tries to tell you that Hampdens are not on a par with Hamiltons then patiently and politely suggest they might want to do some research, closely comparing movements and reading some of the many IHC185 topics where we continue making these important points to all who are interested in learning.

A few more more references... Find-Or-Search for "Hampden / Hamilton"

And if you do not have them... AMERICAN WATCHMAKING SPECIAL INCLUDES HAMPDEN BOOK BONUS!


Pride in marketing Hampden Watches...

Thak you for the info, Lindell. I really like that Hampden ad, I've never seen an ad for Hampden showing a Montgomery dial.It would be nice to have some kind of Hampden forum or club.I know they have always been considered a "brand X" watch,but they really made some nice ones.it's about time Hampdens got the recognition they deserve....Thank you, Ted Brown.