Hi all! I'm trying to restore a Hamilton 992, and I was wondering, just how important is a dust band? My watch is missing the dust band, and considering these things are getting pretty hard to find, are they really necessary? Is my watch worth less without it? Regards, Brad

A dustband would of come from the factory in place. It's a good protective feature for sure. It is not a necessary piece of equipment. Many watchmakers took these off over the years when servicing the watch and either forgot or negated putting them back on. It is sometimes a little harder to put the movement back in the case when the dustband is on the movement and that would be another reason some novices have elected to leave one off when changing a dial etc.

So, they aren't completely necessary as to function of the watch. And as to value, I would not add nor subtract value for a dustband whether buying or selling same. But since it came with the watch, it is a nice thing to have in originality, and that is important surely.

regards,
bb

Thanks Buster. I was thinking that, since I'm not going to be wearing it while working down at the switch yard, it wouldn't put it at risk to not have it on there. Regards, Brad

In servicing my watches I have brought myself to believe that when the dustband is still with the movment, that is a sign that the maintenance of the watch is of the highest quality.

I also firmly believe many of the early "trade" grade watchmakers were some or all of the below;
1. Lazy,
2. Slow Witted
3. Less than honest about their work
4. Had their shop next to a Saloon!

That's probably very true, David! I have found a dustband on ebay, and I'm debating on whether to buy it. It has a notch in it for the mainspring barrel, don't know if that was necessary or not. Hmmm Brad

Brad, The probability of a dustband from eBay fitting is about 1/10,000. The 992 dustband is a machined ring, quite unique to that movement. I suggest that you check with our parts resouce/member Brian at:

pwpartsetc@pwatch.com

Will do David! And thanks! Regards, Brad

Brad,

I checked my 992 movements and 40% have a dust band. Size 18 movements have gaps between the plates and a dust band is more needed. With the 992 it's not as big of a deal because there's only a small space exposed around the balance. Some 16 size watches have huge gaps and you can easily see the inside of the case frame. When you open the case the biggest danger will be dust getting in the exposed jewels oil so a dust band seems more for aesthetic appeal than anything on the 992. I've noticed on White Gold filled 992 cases the absence of a dust band is hard to notice. Looking through a Hamilton materials catalog I can't even find a part # or description for a dust band.

Now, I'm thinking should I fix it or is it good enough?

I won't be searching for 992 dust covers but if some show up it would be nice to install them. Please let me know if you find a source.

Good day,

RR

Thank you Richard.

There is a secondary benefit to the dust cover , and that is the additional protection it give the balance wheel as the watch movement is handled for service. Definitely less accidental balance staff breakage with the dust band on than with it off!!!

Tom, that probably is the best reason to have a dust band on any watch now days....

How often do the watches that collectors have really get exposed to heavy dust....not often, unless one is being worn in conditions similar to those that were present when the watch was made....

Ragards,

Jerry