Hamilton 971 Question

March 21, 2009, 16:08

Bill Manders

There's a Hamilton 971 23j 6 adj. on e-bay.
It has not got the damaskeening I would expect and a serial number of 02 FH A5526 in some order or another. The question is are these watches any good, they are the newer Japanese versions I would think, but are they still a quality movement ?
Thanks for any info hopefully prior to me bidding on this.
Thanks,
Bill

March 22, 2009, 13:25

Lindell V. Riddle

Hello Bill,

These are SWISS-MADE movements as explained on page 229 of the "Complete Guide to Watches" and it looks like 75 / 150 / 200 are present-day values. If I recall correctly they were cased at Lancaster in Star cases that are similar to the Case 17 but made to fit the configuration of the smaller movement.

I have never owned a Swiss 971 but expect it would be a reliable carry-watch. Later watches such as this one reflect the influence exerted by the Swatch Group after they took over Hamilton. The watches they marketed were always of good quality and that is true of Hamilton merchandise even today.

Why they chose to call the watch you are looking at a 971 seems bizarre to collectors. From 1902 through 1908 the Hamilton Watch Company built and sold 2,497 of the Made in USA Grade 971 which was the Hunter-version of their 970 Open-Face. Both were medium grade Pendant-Set watches.

Let us know if you make the purchase.

Lindell

The earlier 971 was 100% Made in USA...