As long as I’m on a roll with early Hamiltons this weekend, here’s yet another interesting curiosity: a 7-jewel 18-size model. (This was never given a grade number.) Given that Hamilton’s original mandate was to produce high-quality watches, the 7-jewel movement is a distinct anomaly. No records are known to explain the motivation for producing such a low-end watch, but I have a theory. By the time Hamilton went into production at the end of November, 1893 they had spent a full year and untold amounts of money setting up the factory, without a penny in income. I suspect that the founders hoped that a low-cost, low-end movement would sell readily and generate some quick cash flow.

The 2000-3000 block was designated for this simple movement, with production starting on November 29, 1893 and running to late 1895. This watch, serial number 2078, was finished on February 28, 1894 and sold on March 2nd to N.W. Burwell of Stafford Springs, CT. It’s odd to see such a plain, gilt movement in a Hamilton -- it's so completely uncharacteristic!

Hamilton presumably came to realize that a cheaply-finished, under-jeweled movement like this did nothing to help establish a reputation for high quality. They discontinued the 7-jewel movement, as well as an even rarer 11-jewel model, and thereafter Hamilton made only high quality movements until the end of U.S. production in January 1969.

In the various books on Hamilton watches there are discrepancies concerning the number of 7-jewel movements made. This is because some of Hamilton’s own summaries are apparently in error. The standard Hamilton references indicate 1,300 were made. However the block 23201 to 23500, which was long listed as 7-jewel production, is seemingly incorrect. According to the original ledgers numbers 23301-23500 were 11-jewel movements, not 7-jewel. This would leave a total of 1,100 of the 7-jewel. But even that may be open to question because the ledgers have no written indication of manufacture or sale of any movements in the 23201 to 23300 range. (Has anyone actually seen one?) Most likely that block was set aside for 7-jewel movements but never used, and in fact only 1,000 were made.

René,
I appreciate very much all your early Hamilton movement posts. Great history.

Would you consider writing another book, titled?

Hamilton Pocketwatches "A Collectors Guide"

Robert

^^^^^
I might consider writing Chapter 1, but after 1899 my knowledge of pocket watches gets slimmer!

René,
Thank you. Maybe you can make it happen down the road.

Robert