I have come across quite a few 999B's since acquiring this one a couple of years ago. The first thing you notice about these is that Hamilton used the 992B movement and reworded them for Ball. One usually sees a circular damaskeen pattern on the plates.

This is the only one of these movements that I have every seen with a straight line damaskeening. It is a clone of the 992B with the exception of the wording. Serial number is 1B27472. Has anyone seen this damaskeen pattern on one of these before?

David Johnson aka "Doc"
NAWCC Member #155016
IHC Member #169
HisLove1Me! (just ask!)

Doc,

Thanks for sharing. The movement looks untouched. I viewed the other pictures and didn't see any servicing marks on the screw back either. Looks like it came right out of the box. Very nice indeed!

John D. Duvall
NAWCC Member 144772
NAWCC IHC Happy Camper 192
Chapter 185 Watch Repair Moderator

David,
In the October 1972 Bulletin (#160), p. 655, there is a photo of Ball 999B S/N 1B27491 with the same parallel bar damaskeening pattern. This watch and yours are the two highest 999B serial numbers we have listed in our database. My guess is that by the time these last watches were made Hamilton didn't bother to put the special Ball style damaskeening on the plates.

Ed Ueberall
NAWCC #49688
IHC #34
http://members.aol.com/stdwatch/

but everyone wants to see a marked 992B Ball !! please....

Probably not wise to hold your breath on that one Terry!