Paul, I have included a page from the 1946 Hamilton Catalog which shows one of the 992Bs with a 080 (HG)dial. The bottom line of the text in the upper left says "Choice of dials shown", so I assume you could order any of the models with the dial of your choice.
Posts: 346 | Location: Woodland Hills, California in the USA | Registered: January 07, 2011
Thanks Robert! That Catalog Page sure clinches it! The No. 12 cased watch in the lower left is exactly what an 080 Dial is. Straightline Hamilton Signature. Sort of like the 151 which also uses the same signature "HAMILTON," but is Melamine with the Straightline Signature. The 080 is Porcelain.
Although I hate to admit it, I have not connected the dots on this one until now. Plainly, the 151 is an acceptable 992-B dial during the Melamine age, and it now appears the 080 was acceptable up until the Melamine age. For some reason I think I pretty much believed in the back of my mind the 992-B's ALL had "Railway Special" marked Dials. . . even though I knew of the 151.
Now, Are there any other "Straightline HAMILTON" dials that came from the Factory on 992-B's? Anybody have any examples. Will Post Pictures of this watch tomorrow.
Posts: 181 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2008
Paul,great post!I do have 3 with only HAMILTON marked dials.One is the 151 dial,one is the 082 dial and the other is the 024 dial(enamel).I will not post the #151 pic.since it is already in the thread.
Posts: 4094 | Location: Carbon, Texas in the USA | Registered: January 24, 2010
Thanks Very Much, Roger! Nice Looking Watches NOT often seen in these configurations!
Interesting to see these 992-B's considered the Finest Railroad Watches ever Made, (Arguably), sporting "Hamilton Straightline" marked Dials instead of the Commonly expected "Railway Special" Dials from the Factory.
Anybody else wish to Add their Straightline Hamilton dial on their 992-B? Please do so! I think this is an interesting "variation" which is not often noted or seen for what its worth.
Posts: 181 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2008
Another thing to consider is the fact the dial you inquired about is single sunk. Typically higher quality watches were fitted with double sunk dials and single sunk dials are used on lesser quality movements.
When the 992B was introduced the dials were double sunk and signed RWS. Early 992B movements should not have the 080 dial. Shortly after Hamilton was having difficulties producing the double sunk dials and decided to use single sunk versions. For some reason there were a limited number of single sunk dials used that are signed RWS and the majority of them ended up only being signed Hamilton.
The 090 and 525 dials were also used on the 992B and they are not signed RWS.
Below is a Hamilton document showing the different dial part numbers.
RR
Hamilton document from 1941.
Posts: 1413 | Location: Fremont, California in the USA | Registered: February 06, 2010
More Great Information! It wasn't "smooth sailin'" for the 992-B Railroad Specials during the 40's apparently.
Notice that the Above Pictures are all "Single Sunk" dials! Not one is Double Sunk although they are on 992-B Movements and all Conform to the Hamilton Memo about Dials, also.
It also appears that given all this, a "Double Sunk Dial" would NOT necessarily mean it was a mark o a "High Grade" watch. These "High Grade" 992-B's were Factory Fitted with Single Sunk Dials.
Sure adds some diversification to what really went on. Thanks again, guys!
Posts: 181 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2008