..orphan movement in my latest antique shop outing. Besides the obvious need of a hunter case (which I know will be difficult to find), what else would work with this particular movement? I've looked in the hole at the 3 o'clock position where a stem would insert, and it appears to be a different stem connection set up all together. It's a new one on me....but that's not unusual. (grins)

Serial numerial is 1347778 and marked 17j, 975, and 'adjusted'.

The dial has a few hairlines, but otherwise it just appears to need cleaned, as it does run as is.

Would anyone be able to offer some advice?

Regards! Mark

Mark,
You have a Hamilton detent stem watch. Do a search for them.

Also measure the dial plate and see if it is a 17s or a 16s. 17s is 44 mm. These watches are extremely hard to case in a hunting case because the stem has to open the case spring, wind the watch and be able to be pulled up to set the hands.

I purchased four 960's series hunters w/detent stems at the J&H auction in June and have just finished up casing them.

I suspect that's why the movement was available.

Hi Mark,

Is the 975 a PS version and you are looking at the detent lever lug partly blocking the stem insertion point?

Yes sir, it is a pendant set, so that's probably what I'm seeing in there. What is needed case wise to give this a home?

Regards! Mark

I just went thru this 975 pendant set thing on two movements and it is not going to be easy. The problem is not the case as the stem needed to make a workable watch is removed from the movement by unscrewing a little screw on the movement to allow the movement to be removed from the case. I advertised for quite a while, unsuccessfully, to find this special stem. I finnally was told by a watchmaker that these stems are not wasted on 975s but are saved for the more valuable Hamilton Hunter movements in the 960 series. Even if you find a stem, fitting one to make a working watch is very tricky, you are involved with two precise adjustments. One to enable the wind/set function and the other to open the case at a proper time. GOOD LUCK!..................Keith

Sounds to me like I just found a parts watch to hold back for my 974 should it require anything in the future.

Thank you Keith! That's what I was needing to know.

Regards! Mark

...Mark, I have a few dozen of the 'detente' stems that you would need to case fit the movement...however, fitting stems to case & movement really requires that both be 'in hand' as it is a question of depthing, crowning and proper fit...so, that said, if you want to fit it up in a case either open(sidewinder) or hunter then for the cost of return postage I'd be glad to have a 'go' at fitting it for you or alternatively, I could send you my cache of stems and you or someone you know could fit it up there along w/fitting a crown when you acquire the case you want for it...

Let's step back and look at the movement number Mark provided...

QUOTING: Serial numerial is 1347778 and marked 17j, 975, and 'adjusted'.

Reading that information I am not so sure Mark's movement has a detent system. I'm no "expert" but unless I've missed the boat on these, I seem to recall that only the earliest Grade 975 movements would feature a detent. Mark's number 1347778 is from a 975P (of course, the "P" means pendant-set) run that numbered 1346001-1348000 during 1919 production. In looking into this and in an attempt at helping sort this out I just examined 1099740 which is a 975P that I have which is from 1915 production and it does not have a detent. The next two illustrations will show some details of that particular movement that may prove to be of help.


Mark, compare your 975 movement to this one...

Lindell...that's EXACTLY what I'm seeing in the staff hole.

So, apparently all I need to do is come up with a case with a properly depthed staff to wind and set the watch...right?

Great shots! Demonstrates exactly what I see in the opening of my watch!!

Thank you VERY much Jim Cope, for your kind offer. Looks like I don't have a problem after all.

HIGH regards! Mark

I'll have to keep my eyes open for one of those display cases!! Thanks again!!!

Regards! Mark

A quick update...I found an empty hunter case that this 975 works perfectly in. Just need to get a crystal installed, and it's good to go.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

Regards! Mark

I recently acquired a Hamilton 975 (unmarked grade), serial number 782950, which is OF cased (screw marks indicate it is the original case). It has a Roman numeral dial. Checking, I do not see the "square" hole, just the bare spring-loaded device.

I tried placing the movement into a spare HC I had on hand but could not get the stem to properly seat so as to wind and set the watch.

I would guess the earlier date (1910) would suggest I have to obtain the square part in order to fit it to a HC, or is there a special HC that is required?

As it seems to be in its original case, I would presume the owner wanted it that way. Perhaps I should just leave as is?

TIA

Gordon

It is possible yours is the earlier type that has the detent stem. I am not familar enough with these to say for sure, if you could post photos of the movement we can figure out more.

You might look at this post towards the end, it is for a 974 that takes the detent stem, you might see if yours has the small screw that held the stem in place.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...86047761/m/943103591

Tom

Thanks Tom. I'm a little late replying due to having broke the stem off the second wheel, whilst trying to wrestle the movement into place!

I was mistaken, it the stem does fit. It winds and sets ok, BUT.... pushing the crown down no long operates the lid latch. It is a British made case and works well with the non-working Swiss movement I removed. It also works with the movement out. So suspect it may be that the stem is a little too long???

Gord

Gordon

Sorry to hear about the break, I know how you feel.

The stem can be adjusted in the sleeve in the case, I don't know if that can fix the problem.

In the Helping Hands Section by John Duvall there is a tutorial on stems & sleeves. You can view that at;
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...6090143/m/6346045183

Good Luck!

Tom

Thanks again Tom. Think I'm going to leave repairs to the professionals for now . . . leastwise, until I take a couple of large, old clunkers apart!

Roger Nolfe has provided excellent service and advise.

Gordon