Another Hammy 992B case question

February 24, 2015, 14:37

Bill Manders

I have this 992B in a Star case, after checking thru the Hamilton data, I see that in some of the later ones they did use the Star cases, could this be one of them ? I could not see any other case screw marks on the case. Ser# C412891 case# 8306841.
Thanks,
Bill

February 24, 2015, 14:38

Bill Manders

Movement: C412891

February 24, 2015, 15:12

Lindell V. Riddle

Hi Bill,

There were Star-Hamilton Cases used on 992B Movements during and after the war, including what we call the "B" and "C" wartime cases as well as the Yellow Gold-Filled Case 12, the Stainless 15, Rolled-Gold-Plate 16 and finally the Star-Hamilton Case 17 in both Yellow Gold-Filled and 14K Solid Gold versions.

Unfortunately, what you have is a crudely attached replacement bow completely unlike the original. We would have to see additional details including back and bezel design features to determine what this case may have been originally.

Your circa 1954 movement would not be correct for any Star-Hamilton case other than the Stainless 15 and the Rolled-Gold-Plate 16 and sadly the case you have is neither of those. Sorry, but if you want the watch to be correct you will need another case.

Lindell

February 24, 2015, 15:54

Bill Manders

Thanks Lindell,
Here are some pictures of the bezel and back of the case. The dial has several h/l's but at this time I am not to worried about it, it will make an OK carry for me, as it has been keeping +/- 1 sec a day.
Bill

February 24, 2015, 15:54

Bill Manders

February 24, 2015, 16:41

Buster Beck

[** NOTE** I started working on this before Lindell and Bill posted and much of my information has already been told by Lindell at this point, but I will leave it here to add a small part to Lindell's informative post.]

I don't know what case is shown there besides it being a Star watch case. Around 1955 Keystone was absorbed by and into the Star Watch Case Co.

The Star Watch Case Co. made cases for the 992B in the models 15, 16, and 17 and their serial numbers started with "R" and later still their serial numbers started with "P". Earlier Star made the model 12 case which was in the late 40's and the model 12 case was short lived and only used one year.

The watch movement pictured is from ca. 1954. The Star Watch Case Co. began using the pictured registered "trademark" logo on the case in this thread in Feb. 1925.

Your question is ;

I see that in some of the later ones they did use the star cases, could this be one of them ?

Since your movement comes from 1954, I don't believe this particular case was used on the 992B you have pictured.

regards,
bb

February 24, 2015, 17:26

Lindell V. Riddle

Buster and were tag-teaming on this one!

Seeing the design features I am entirely certain this is an after-market case unlike any used on Hamilton 992B from the factory. Good news is a correct case is easily found and not too pricey.

The dial on your watch is likely original and it is a style that becomes available every now and then. I would place an ad in our "Wanted to Buy" and little-by-little straighten out the watch.

Hands you have look right, on your movement that domed-top crown wheel screw should be replaced with a flat-top screw for authenticity.

Your watch is worth saving in my opinion.

Lindell