Hi All--

Here's a tricky question. I have a Hamilton 950, Serial # 1375938, which the Gelson List shows as "1919-1920."

I have an opportunity purchase either a script or a non-script Monty dial for this watch. Any thoughts as to which would be more appropriate?

Here's the script dial:

And here's the non-script dial. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Mike, It is my understanding that Hamilton had completely completed the changeover from Script to the Block lettered Dials by 1920, which they began in 1918. Given this, would your watch have been one of the last of the Script Dial Watches, or was it one of the First Block lettered Dials?

Seems to me this might be a matter of your preference at this point in time if my information is correct. There will be others chime in on this that could know much more than I about the "exact" dates. This will be of Interest to all!

Ditto, Paul! I knew that the changeover began in 1918, but I'd not heard that it was completed by 1920. In any event, this one would seem to fall right in between.

I should add that the dial that came on the watch when I traded for it was a script non-Monty dial. I have no idea whether that dial was original to the movement, although I have no reason to believe it was not.

I agree with Paul with one exception. It was my understanding the the changeover was complete by 1924. I'm sure Paul knows more about this than I. We have a lot of Hamilton experts who may chime in and tell you exactly which dials came on the 950. I for one do not know if the Monty came on the 950 or not and since I will probably never own one I have not done the research but the time frame would be correct for either I would think.

Harry

This 950 from 1919-1920 sold recently on IHC185....

My eye says it screams with the HAMILTON dial in BLOCK, what does your eye say ?? [see 3 attachments]

regards,
bb

2;

3;

Gorgeous Buster. But then that is one of my favorite Hamilton dials. So even though this is not the same dial that Michael has in block am I right in assuming all three of these would be correct on the 950. I know most of my Hamilton's are to old for the block style dial. I think personally I would use a block dial whenever a situation presented itself and was appropriate for the movement. Just my 2 cents...

Either of the dials Mike has shown would be "non-argumentative" for his 1919-1920 Hamilton 950.

I would lean towards his Hamilton 581 BLOCK dial offering as I think it would be the one most would feel better with after 1918 produced watches.

Here is an ad from 1917 showing the earlier Script signature dial.

regards,
bb

Thanks guys. I was sort of inclined to go with the script dial because I thought it looked better in the high-pendant case that the watch came in, which is similar to the one in Buster's 1917 ad. I'd send a pic but the watch is currently at my local watchmaker getting a COA.

Buster, can I ask about the case on the pictured 950? Is it solid 14K? 25 Year GF? The reason I ask is that, after looking at that one, I was wondering if it wouldn't make sense for me to buy the block dial and then put the movement/dial in this J.Boss 20-year case, which shares some similarities with the one pictured. The case currently houses my Studebaker, which will be going into my newly-acquired NAWCO case as soon as I receive it:

BTW, Harry, I picked up the 950 last week in trade for a 60s LeCoultre Master Mariner wrist watch that I picked up at an estate sale for $25 and then spent $100 on a COA and crown replacement, along with a couple of vintage Hamilton wrist watches that I picked up at antique shops. The seller wanted $900 in value for the 950, and he valued the LeCoultre at $500 (which I think was about $100 light, but what the heck).

My wife was the real winner last week, though. After two years of searching, we finally found the right Hoosier Cabinet for our house. This one is a ca. 1925 "Mary Boone." The Iowa restorer did an exceptional job on it. The clock is a Westclox and keeps spot-on time!