does anyone out there know about 0 size parts interchanging.
I need an escape wheel for a 981. Is it possible to use parts from Illinois for example.

It's Ok to email me.

thanks in advance

This is all that I can find on these watches as to info. I know of no interchangeability and I doubt the parts on the 981/982/983/984/985 are interchangeable between themselves. A parts man or repairman will be of more help here.

Hamilton utilized silver, gold-filled and 14K solid gold cases for the 981 movement in three distinct case variations:

The "narrow" wire lugged version in silver (18mm lugs)
The "spring bar" lugged version in silver
The "wide" wire lugged version (22 mm lugs)

Thus far, all "narrow" lugged versions seen have been silver and manufactured by Fahy's.

The "0" sized 982, 983, 984 and 985 movements were marketed and cased as "ladies watches" however, early Hamilton records indicate the 981 movement was the first Hamilton movement specifically utilized and marketed as a "men's only" movement. In fact, "0" sized 985 records describe the 981 as "specially designed for men's strap watches." All cases seen that housed the Hamilton 981 "0" 17-jewel movement where Fahys cased and made in silver (Hamilton did produce a very small amount of gold-filled cases as well). All 981's were timed and cased in the factory and there were only 212 14K 981 wrist watches made. The case manufacturer was B.W.C. Co. (Brooklyn Watch case Company).

The Hamilton 981 movement was made between 1919 and 1922 and the BWC Co. "0" sized case would have been made about that period. Also, it appears that by 1919, Fahys owned BWC Co. so it stands to reason that Fahys which made Hamilton's "0" sized silver cases used BWC Co. cases for the 14K versions.

Additionally, early Hamilton records state that Hamilton had the cases shipped to Lancaster, PA and put the movements in the case themselves where they were timed as well.

There was/is a "Will Roseman" that is a designated "guru" on these watches who used to have a website if you can track him down. That's all that I can glean.

regards,
bb

Buster,

Thanks for the reply. Nice information.

In fact, I have 2 nice 983 actual wristwatches with proper serial numbers.

I have studied Will Roseman's site extensively. However, he dropped out of site, so to speak.

Technically, I need to know about the actual gears interchangeability, as these parts are impossible to find

Thanks

When you take a look at the Hamilton parts catalog 1961 you will find some parts listed for different grades of Hamilton watches. For example: escape wheel and pinion is the same for 981- 983 - 985.

Regards
Gerald

Mike,
I have new old stock pinions if that would help, e-mail me.

Hi Brian,

thanks for your post.

I actually need an entire steel escape wheel to complete the train and was hoping there might be an easy interchange.
Naturally, any other Hamilton 0 size part will work.........if you can find the parts. No one parts these out, they are too rare and valuable and ......I think they stopped making these and the factory may have closed down.

Swapping out the pinions is an interesting idea but, will any 0 size escape gear work with the pallet?

Since this discussion is concerning Os Hamiltons, I figured I would share this with you guys. I've never seen a factory display case this small before, but it appears to be legit and was meant for an Os Lady Hamilton. I'm not much into Hamiltons, so I don't even know what a Lady Hamilton is.

This shot shows the front of the tag.

HI Bruce ,
I will take at 10 times tag price.

Bruce
Oops though tag said $10.

Hubert, I didn't even realize there was a price printed on the tag...it's kind of hiding there at the bottom in faded red ink. $100 is a real strong offer, and I appreciate it, but not really looking to sell at this time. If I do sell (auction style), I'll be sure to let you know.

Hi Bruce ,
Pease let me know If you are going to part with
case.I have a O size Hamilton that will fit.
Hub.

Hub, will do.