Howard "J" size

does anyone know how many hamilton "400's" were made? looks like there is a possibility of only 1500 if i scanned the serial list right...?

also what years do they fall into place and where are they marked illinois?

Don - there were a total of 2300 Hamilton grade 400 movements made between 1929 and 1932. They were cased and sold through 1937. The first 800 (serial numbers H1001 to H1800) were rebuilt from existing Illinois "Illini" grade 528 movements (extra-thin, 2nd model). Like mine, shown above, these have a pallet cock for the pallet fork. The next 1500 (H2001 to H3500) were made from scratch and differ slightly in that they have a pallet bridge and have slightly different jewel settings at the balance and escape wheel. They are not marked "Illinois" but do have an Illinois serial number under the dial. The serial number sequence (Hxxxx) overlaps part of that assigned to the later grade 921 and somewhere out there, there are duplicate numbers.

quote:

The Hamilton 900 is a great choice! I tend to like lesser known watches like the 19-jewel Hamilton 900 and 902 grades.

Lindell

I just picked up a Hamilton 900 that I really like. The checkerboard damaskeening is particularly beautiful. The watch is in excellent condition, with its original case and dial. The hands may not be correct, though. The hour and minute are black but the second hand is blue. The dial is also pretty dinged up, so I'll be searching for a nice 12 size replacement for it. Serial is 1864161.