40 years how many changes?

Internet Horology Club 185

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April 19, 2008, 01:08

David Abbe

40 years how many changes?

While studying 2 fine Hamilton 99X specimens that will soon be carefully renovated, the thought came to mind, "What a diference 40 years and two world wars can make in these beautiful pieces of workmanship. The left one is a 992B s/n C80903 c.a.1943, the right one is a 990 s/n302058 c.a. 1903

April 19, 2008, 01:13

David Abbe

Things of beauty both, and truly reflecting shadows of their time. Look at that 990, at least 3 kinds of Beautiful damaskeened patterns on the plates and more on the Lever Bridge and main plates! What a fine machine finish! Before our existence was put on the World War I Stake we could still afford the innocence of making The Railroads run on time while adding our personal "flair" to each of these masterpieces of Horology!

April 19, 2008, 01:19

David Abbe

40 years later with our war machine running at full blast for the SECOND TIME in that brief period, we were pressed to make a more "perfect timekeeper" only finished in a way that showed any blemish that interfered with it's function of keeping a war running On Time AND in our favor! Makes you think . . . have we REALLY "progressed"?!

June 25, 2008, 12:54

Mark Cross

I recently read on a random websearch that they only made 16,000 990's. If so, that's a far cry from the 500,000+ examples of the 992B, and another consideration in your comparison.

Does anyone know if that 16,000 number is correct?

Regards! Mark

June 25, 2008, 13:31

Lindell V. Riddle

Mark,

That is the "approximate" number I too would tend to use, they did not produce in exact numbers and of course there are most likely no more than 10 to 25% of them left these days at best. For those who want to be more precise on the original numbers, according to page 51 of Ehrhardt's "Hamilton Identification" book 16,489 is commonly recognized as the number of Grade 990 produced.

They sure are pretty movements, thanks Dave for sharing yours!

Lindell

June 25, 2008, 14:27

Mark Cross

Thank you!

Makes me enjoy my 990 all the more.

Regards! Mark

June 25, 2008, 22:33

David Abbe

I finished the 992B in time to carry it all over Alaska, and after 6 weeks, it had stayed within 30 seconds of the original setting. Now, I am working up the Gumption (courage

) to clean and finish the 990. Mark, I carry the 992B in sequence with my Ball/Illinois/17JBunn Loaner, and my 50+ years service Elgin Invar that I discussed in another thread titles are we collectors or caretakers? But, I will probably carry the 990 sometimes when I want a friend to appreciate it too.

June 25, 2008, 22:55

David Abbe

And the question comes up . . . will I ever carry the 3992B? Maybe after I have carried all of my other selected favorite carry pieces. (Not counting a "Show and tell at a local NAWCC meeting).

June 26, 2008, 07:25

Edward Kitner

David,
Wow, so many nice watches!
But I have to admit the cabinet cought my eye first. Did you build it? Great idea for double display.