I would like to ask a question, here regarding I recent pocket watch I found. I am doing a comparison with the watch in the link below, in which I referred to a early Hamilton Model 1 that was also very fortunate recent acquisition.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=32060...86047761&m=430007066

My question is that (apart from the obviously differences in layout for this HC model and lacking 4 jewels), I see very little difference between this and the 992 Model 1 (as per above link), other than a few basic items like center wheel not being the gold round spoke type, the layout is mostly identical for the plates, click is early type, drive chain seems identical. One thing that I find most attractive is the gold plated screw set and regulator assembly. This watch incidentally also has the 4 foot dial and like my early model 1 and also is simply marked adjusted (how many adjustments 5? ). So how far off the RR standard would this movement be or maybe my question could be how close to a 993 is this?.

Chris Abell

face in great condition, unsoaked and just 1 hailrline

Chris Abell

Chris,

Couple things...

The comparison between the 975 and the 993 might be along the lines of comparing a 1959 Chevrolet with a 1959 Buick. The difference is quality and attention to detail. Although using a similar platform and a lot of the same parts the latter is nonetheless a far superior product. Likewise, the Hamilton 975 was adjusted 3-positions whereas the 993 was a 5-positions full RR specifications watch movement. The most desirable 993 movements are generally considered to be the less than 2,000 pendant-set versions.

Your early 995 is an important one in several respects. It uses the less common "gilt trim" which was a special feature. It has as you noted a RR variety four-foot dial. The dial alone makes it worthwhile! And of course all the early Hamiltons have great damaskeening.

Here are the production numbers... Grade 975 Hamiltons came plain or gilt trim. How many were gilt is not recorded. They produced 68,700 with pendant-setting between 1900 and 1924 and between 1905 and 1914 there were 31,573 in lever-set like your example. Without question your watch is worthwhile. In my opinion the dial and hands are correct to the era and are probably original. You have a very nice example.

Hope this helps!

Lindell