Hi guys, I am REALLY new at collecting pocket watches and I haven't really found an area I am most interested in yet. I have just bought a Hamilton Railroad Pocketwatch series 993. I thought it was a lever set but the seller said it was a stem wind and set. Question is, I have tugged on the stem (cautiously) but I admit I have weak hands so would like to ask my neightbour who has much stronger hands than I. How hard does one have to tug on the stem before admitting defeat? I would go see the seller except they are located on Florida and I am in Canada so any help is appreciated. thanks

Hi Mary;

I tell my customers to pull on the stem whilst slightly turning counterclockwise at the same time...this usually nudges it up...check the 5 oclock position anyway to make sure it's not a lever, altho the stem should still come up anyway unless it's a fixed stem. (you'll see a screw on the stem) Hope this helps

Welcome to IHC185 Mary. A Hamilton 993 is a fine timepiece, a good start to your collection. Let us know how you do with setting it. Together we should be able to figure out something that will work.

That's what IHC185 is all about after all, members sharing information and helping one another in a polite and friendly atmosphere.

Hi Mary and welcome to IHC185! We are glad to have you with us. Nice to see another woman collecting pocket watches. While more and more are becoming interested in them, it still mostly involves men.

Concerning your nice Hamilton, try Tom''s suggestion. Don't tug too hard on the stem/crown. If that doesn't work, get back to us and someone will have other ideas. I have encountered a couple that were hard to pull out, but gently nudging it got it loose.

About what watches to buy.....I am new to collecting myself. I started with ladies wristwatches, then gravitated to pocket watches. I now mostly collect American key wind models.

You will, as I did, find yourself being drawn to a particular type over time, be it key winds like myself, railroad watches, certain sizes or a particular manufacturer. Whatever you decide on, buy what you like and the best condition watches you can afford. Make sure that they run well and the cases are in good shape. In time, you will know what to look for and what to avoid.

I might also suggest that you consider joining IHC185 as a full member. You will then have access to all forums and features. I have learned so much from all the wonderful people here who freely share their knowledge and expertise. You will find yourself becoming much more discerning about the watches that interest you. I guarantee it will be the best $12.00 investment you will make concerning your new found interest in horology! Again, welcome to IHC185.

Hi Mary, Thank you for asking about this rare Hamilton watch. We always enjoy helping each other find out more about these time machines.

According to Hamilton production information posted on our IHC185 website for Hamilton 993 models;

20,176 Hamilton Model 993's were made;
11,476 lever setting "original model"
6,700 lever setting "second model"
2,000 Pendant setting

This indicates the Pendant Set version is quite rare.

All 2000 Pendant setting models were issued serial numbers from 1555001-1557000. So please check the serial number and confirm it is within the 1555001-1557000.

If it is, and you still have trouble setting it, I suggest that you consider having it serviced to avoid any damage to the mechanism.

Our Mr. Chris Abell is a top watchmaker and backs up his work. You can reach him at;
Abellwatchmakers@nctv.com
or telephone (903) 245-6542

Mary I would check for a slight opening on the bezel anywhere in the 1-2 or 5-6 hour positions to see if this watch is a lever set because based on the numbers the chances are that it is. On the comment about it being pendent set by the seller I purchased an Elgin grade 150 and the seller identified it as a "pendent set" which most 150's are but what I was very lucky to get was a very rare early run lever set. Sometimes the lever plays hide and seek but you should see a small opening about a few mm's wide by a few mm's high. If no lever opening is found or is found but has no lever then it might be a pendant set that has a stem and sleeve that are stubborn, or a bit cruded up with dirt and no oil.

I once bought a lever set Vanguard on ebay and upon arrival and inspection found the lever was missing. That did NOT make it a pendant set. So, definately, check the serial number before forcing.

Here is a picture of the lever setting lever on a watch I just sent my oldest daughter