Hi, I just purchased my first 992, its also my first Hamilton. Its a 16s lever set. It could be that I am just not used to the watch. When winding the watch is it normal for the 992 to click in both directions?

Jim, Most watches "click" both ways, but some are not as "loud". Your Hamilton 992 (similar to my 990 pictured below) has what is called a "Click" and a "Click Wheel". These are a pawl/ratchet system to "hold" the wind.

When winding the watch you can hear the pawl (click) "clicking" against the teeth of the click wheel.

When you reverse the winding crown to reset your fingers for another "winding", you hear a completely different type of cylindrical ratchet system that is basically a 1-way engagement system for the wheel that turns the winding wheel and the Click wheel resetting itself (ratchet clicking sound) to engage for your next "winding" cycle.

Thank you, I was just worried as this is the first watch I have had that is that loud in the other direction. I had tore it down and cleaned and oiled it. When I reassembled it I thought the reset wind was rather loud. I can see the the winding shaft and that sleeve clicking now. Perhaps it will be more quiet when I get the dial and case back on it.

Thanks again

Jim I have a 993 it has to be one of the noisest watch that I have when winding so your 992 has a hunter brother that likes to make noise also. Most watches you can hear it when winding but feel it when in the reverse dircetion, on my 993 it makes enough noise to hear in both directions so I thought it was a bit odd, after your comment I guess it really isn't. David on your 990, that is something that has puzzled me a bit some collectors will pass 990's by or bid less on them than an equivalent condition 992 and as a result I have picked up two nice 990's at lower bids than what I paid for my 992 and I paid the typical amount for my 992.

Claude, I completely agree about the 990. It was made in very limited numbers with a fit and finish that challenges every one of the later Hamiltons for precision and beauty. What is sad, but good for us is that "992" is the "Magic number" for the million odd "rare railroad" watches that everyone desires one or many more of.

The 990 is every bit the equal of a 992 with a far more beautiful "outlook" to it.

Thanks Claude and David, I think my next Hamilton addition may be a 990. I try not to collect based on popularity alone, and the movement is rather nice looking.

Actually if you look at Hamilton's ads the 990 was a better movement than the 992 which is why I don't understand why people don't give them more attention. The 990 started out with a Double roller, the 992 started as a Single roller then later updated to Double roller, the 990 had a poised pallet fork, nada for the 992, even as late as 1919 (I think the last year for the 990) it was still $2 more, 1914 it was $5 more and had gold settings. And as David mentioned the 990 was made in less numbers, I have one of 2 screw and one of the one screw styles, as David also mentioned it is one of the best looking movement out there.

Now I have added it to my list. But I am a real budget minded collector, so it may take a little while.
Here is my first 992, I paid $160 for it. But it had a few issues. Someone had put the mainspring in only one of the holes that hold it so it slipped, and the front threads were so full of junk that the front cover wouldnt close all the way. Easily fixed, I would have serviced it anyway, I always do unless it is stated the watch has been serviced.
The clicking isnt quite as loud with the dial and covers on, but its still louder than the other watches I own.

Here is the front.

Nice looking 992, the Montgomery dial looks to be in great condition. On the 990 both of mine were in the same price range as what you paid for the 992. I am not a big-dog collector so I am also always biting on the ankles (less chased after, more affordable watches). I try to pick up good watches but trying bid on watches that everybody and their brother wants usually prices them out of my budget. On all three of my Hamiltons, 2-990's, 1-992 it seems each has a hairline near the set lever area, I don't know if that is just my bad luck or a problem with 990/992 Hamiltons.

Personally I find a solid 'loud' click in my winding of a watch more reassuring than one I can't hear. Makes me feel like there's more positive contact between the parts than in a quiet version.

That's just me, though, and more than likely unsupportable....but still, that's how I feel.

Regards! Mark

Guy, I am the same way about hearing the clicking sound when I wind a pocketwatch....I do like to hear it, especially on the back stroke, it makes me feel that I'm really getting a bite and that everything is working like it should....

Those little 12s watches look great and some are just accurate as my railroad guys, but they seem so danity....they will fool you sometimes though by being just as sturdy as the big boys....and they are great to carry, esp. in the vest of a 3 piece suit....never know you have them....but when you need them, they are there....

And like you said, probably unsupportable....

Regards,

Jerry

Yep. Doesn't take a whole lot to keep us happy, does it Jerry?

HIGH regards! Mark

You know the old saying, Mark....The 'KISS' attitude, "Keep it simple sweetheart"....

I had to clean it up a mite, otherwise this system would have edited for me....

That's what works for me....

Regards,

Jerry