I was lucky enough to pick up a Hamilton 968 for $95. It arrived today! And it runs! Boy is it dirty!

This is a large plate size 16 Hamilton with positive set screw. I need some help from anyone who knows how many dials were available for a large plate 968.

I can use the dial that is on it but it has 4 hairlines and one chip but if necessary I can repair it.

The case is missing the crystal and is heavily worn with a lot of brass showing. Looks like it is the original case. Again I can use it if I need to but sure would be nice to find a nice case that would fit it.

Would it be possible to enlarge the outer opening to accept the large dial? You would have to make sure the inner resting ledge was not enlarged also. Sounds like a question for Leon. Again if I had to I could use this case and keep it polished and it would be presentable.

I took some before pictures and when I'm done I'll show some before and after pictures. In the meantime if anyone knows anything about the dial and case please let me know.

Harry

Harry, go buy a lottery ticket. Look forward to the photos. I don't think any one particular dial (of the larger type) is any more correct than another. I would think SS is appropriate, but DS were usually available for a small additional price. The tough thing is finding one in decent shape. As for the case, if it's not too bad polish it and let on it's not brassy!

Hi Mike I will probably have to do that with the case but I have my eyes wide open looking for another one.

Harry,
I can probably 14kt. electro-plate the case for you and make it look a little better..

Hi Gary. Wow that sounds great. How expensive is that process? Here is my email so we can talk about it hyaduckh@yahoo.com

Thanks

Harry, you could use a smaller 4-foot dial intended for the small pillar plate watches. There would be a little extra space at the OD but it wouldn't be noticeable with the bezel on. Those should be much easier to find than the large PP dials.

Just out of curiosity, what is the serial number of the watch?

Hi Robert, Thanks for the info about the dials. I have both 4 footed SS and DS dials. I had not tried to see if they would fit because I did not know if the 968 would have one of those later dials or not. My 968 has a very simple dial I have not seen on any other Hamilton before. The 928 and 929 have a dial I have not seen on other Hamilton's either so I was unsure whether to repair or replace. I will see how the repair goes.

The serial number is 54,774.

Harry, the Hamilton ledgers list your watch as being finished 4/12/1898 and sold 9/3/1899 to D. C. Percival & Co. Boston, Mass. The references I checked say that the pre-1899 960 series watches were fitted with Roman numeral dials with 'Hamilton Watch Co.' in script. I didn't find anything telling whether SS or DS dials were standard on the 968. I would like to see a picture of your dial when you get a chance.

Bob

Hi Robert. Thank you very much for that information. It is not Roman Numeral. It does say Hamilton Watch Co I will take a picture tonight and post it so please check back.

Thank you,
Harry

Here is the dial that came on the 968 Robert.

Thank you Lindell. That is about as clean as I can get it. I have soaked in in Mr. Clean Bathroom cleaner and I have soaked it with just soap and water. It is a lot better than it was when I started but I can not get the hairlines clean. I have also scrubbed it with a tooth brush. If anyone else has a suggestion I'm all ears.

I also have a dial like this one if anyone out there thinks this would be correct please let me know.

Thanks,
Harry

Thanks Lindell I will try that.

Harry

Thanks for the picture Harry. I have a small PP 974GT, 1905 vintage, that has an identical dial except that it also has the red 5's. It is in about the same shape as yours and so far I haven't found a good identical replacement for it.

Can anyone tell me if the 960 series of Hamiltons were MARKED, other than the 960 itself? I mean like the 961's thru 969?

Hi Robert Mac I measured my dial with the red 5 minute marks and it is smaller than the one in the picture so in that respect it would not be correct.
No one would notice with the bezel on it.

Robert Lee I can not answer that question as I only have the 960 and the 968 and I no nothing about the other Hamilton's. Sorry

Robert Lee, here is a link to an old thread on the 960 series with photos of each movement:

link

None of the ones shown are marked but they are all early serial numbers. I know that some higher serial numbers of some of the grades were marked - I have pictures of a marked 964 and a 968 - but I don't know if any others were marked.

Mr. McClelland: many thanks for your information. It's appreciated.

Thanks Robert Mac I enjoyed that link also.

Robert, I hate to 'pile on' here, but I also appreciate your bringing to our attention that link to the excellent photo essay on the Hamilton 960 series of watches.