I have a Hamilton 938 which is one of the lesser seen Hamilton's. The case is original but ugly. It is in a Fahys Oresilver No. 1 case. It has lots of ding, and one dent. Do you think I should put it in a nice gold filled case similar to the Hamilton 939 I have? This case is just so ugly! The serial number is 13497 made in 1896. It is 17 jewel and is a 2 star movement. The dial is ugly also. DS Roman Numeral private label dial. It is not a private label movement. The name on the private label looks like "W.J(?). Warner, Austin, Pa.". The dial has many hairlines and a big chip that runs from the 36 to the 39 minute mark. I don't know if the dial goes with the movement or not as I would like to replace the dial also. What to you guys think? On one hand I could have a nice period correct watch or on the other hand I could possibly have a ugly original watch. Thanks of all you your opinions.

Not all Private labels were marked on the movement Harry, a lot were only on the dial, so it could possibly the original. As for the case swap IMO as long as it is period correct I do not see a problem with doing that.

Harry according to the Hamilton ledger that watch and the next serial number 13498 were sold to W. S(?) Warner, Austin, PA. on 5-1-1896. So the dial is probably original.

Back when a pocket watch was a serious piece of equipment [or a status quo] that people carried, along with their Colt while riding their horse, when that case wore out or the dial became unsightly or a hand became bent or broke, these parts were replaced !! It was called "upkeep". It should continue to be so today.

A "purist" might keep the original parts on the watch for posterity and to preserve history, but if it is rough and nappy looking, it would be an eyesore that wouldn't draw many lookers, and could cause you the owner to not appreciate it either.

The main thing to consider is that it is your personal property and that as such, you may do with it as you please. Y-o-u have to make y-o-u happy !! So keep smiling always !!

regards,
bb

Bila, Robert, and Buster thank you all for your replies and you all make good points.
I know some private labels are only marked on the dial and to be honest since I did not know if this dial came with this movement or not that is the only reason the dial is still on the watch.
Robert thank you very much for the information. I will have to save the dial. I will take the dial off and write the serial number of the watch on it so I remember which movement it goes with.
Buster you make a lot of since. I am not happy with the case or the dial. I will replace the dial, case and hands with period correct stuff and make me happy and I will keep the dial in a case so if I ever sell the watch the original dial will go with it. Oh and the dog has the longest neck I have ever seen on a dog. I am ready for the weekend! taking a motorcycle trip up to Dixon, Illinois for a root beer!

Thanks you guys!

Hi Harry , one thought came to mind is cleaning and repairing the dial , since it appears to be original . I have been surprised at how much better a good soaking can do , in the search box there are numerous methods , good luck

Read this: https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...391095851#4391095851

The old guys used to say if you make a switch and you can't tell then it takes on the value of an original, whether it;s the case or the dial. The trick is knowing what is actually correct. Geno

As a dealer I can tell you that original or no I CANNOT sell a watch in a doggy lookin case or with a crappy cracked up dial

Especially a 938. Watches that pricey belong in a nice YGF like a Fahys they are out there and put a crisp early dial on it, keep the old dial like you planned. That makes you happy and is actually the smart thing to do IMO

Harry, just send it to me and I'll swap a nice 924 for it. That way I can fuss with the swapping decision

Kevin, Gene, Tom, Mike, and Lindell,

I want to thank each and every one of you for your input and suggestions. I apologize for the delay in answering but I went on a 5 day motorcycle trip and have just returned. You each have very good points and I value your input.

Kevin yes I agree that even a perfect dial in dirty condition looks crappy. I will be cleaning the original dial and doing some repair work and I will keep it to go with the watch if and when I sell it.

Mike let me think about that. Sounds like a good deal for one of us.

Gene, Tom and Lindell yes that is what I am going to do. I have everything I need now I just need to decide on a Roman Numeral DS dial or DS numbered dial.

Thanks again everyone.