September 13, 2009, 09:01
Eric UnseltMy new Hamilton 996!
I went to a swap meet yesterday to console myself for losing Phil's 992 on eBay and look what hit me in the eye!
I got it for $50 and a promise to set the guy up with my sister
. Maybe he wasn't the seller.
September 13, 2009, 09:01
Eric UnseltMy new hand-made lightbox is working out nicely.
September 13, 2009, 09:01
Eric UnseltMy favorite kind of caseback - with nobody else's initials.
September 13, 2009, 09:01
Eric UnseltGorgeous movement!
September 13, 2009, 09:26
Steve MiddlesworthEric,
Can't comment on the hands but I can say that's a very nice time piece there, simply gorgeous. You did not get hurt on that deal. You gotta love that dial......
Steve
September 13, 2009, 12:16
Jerry KingEric, I agree with Steve, you certainly did not get hurt on this deal....
What a gorgeous movement and overall a great watch.... The hands look great on the dial, I can't say whether they are correct or not but look good anyway....
Regards,
Jerry
September 13, 2009, 13:50
Lindell V. Riddle
Congratulations Eric!
You have an unusually nice example of one of my personal favorite movements!
Number 1282890 is from 1919 production which was when the Hamilton script signature was being phased out so this would have been one of the last watches to front this particular dial design. Speaking of the dial, this very desirable Canadian-Style dial would be entirely correct with those three hands, they were an original combination. Hamilton hands in that era were originally blued with a polished center on the minutes hand. The suspected treatment with a felt-tipped pen if correct is often done to cover color issues, it is easily removed with isopropyl alcohol and could be redone more smoothly should that be your choice.
I consider 19-Jewel movements with jeweled-barrel such as this 996 to be the most sensible of all high grade movements. They have the smooth winding, precision timekeeping and great appearance features of a 23-Jewel movement without the nonsense of unnecessary cap jewels.
By the way, I am curious, you did not mention how the case is marked as to maker and content.
Great watch, fantastic price about 90% off retail... but what did your sister 
say?
Lindell
September 13, 2009, 14:03
Eric UnseltThanks gentlemen, for the compliments and Lindell, for the info. This piece immediately became my new favorite.
The case is a 25-year Keystone.
I was kidding about the price; it was a little higher than that - and what my sister doesn't know won't hurt her
.
September 13, 2009, 18:28
Ray HallenbeckWow Eric, what a great watch at a great price...I must add that the photos from your light box look absolutley wonderful.
Ray
September 14, 2009, 10:11
Mike HodgeEric, I suppose you'll include that in my package for an extra $50
I never find great deals like that, but then my sister is married.
September 14, 2009, 14:12
Mary Ann ScottBeautiful watch, Eric! You did very well!
Now if I can get great pictures from your light box like these, I will be very happy.
But I know that a lot depends on the operator!
September 14, 2009, 18:19
Eric UnseltI was kidding about the $50!
Mary Ann, I had better luck when I sprayed the interior of my box satin bright white. My photos were still coming out a little too yellowish for my taste, but now you can experiment to your heart's desire
.
September 14, 2009, 19:21
David AbbeEric, Maybe you should make the picture box into a showcase for that beauty. I totally agree with Lin, these 19J, Jeweled Motor movements were the best of the best! Beautiful Damaskeening on top of that too!