Help with 993

January 18, 2010, 13:33

Steve Fonke

Help with 993

I'm trying to help my Dad with a Hamilton 993 that he has in his drawer of things that he has acquired during his considerable (88 yrs) lifetime. He doesn't know anything about it other than that it is a pocket watch. I've told him that it is apparantly quite a good one to boot. Any help that you can provide me with identification/explanation would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm posting some pics so I hope I do it correctly. Thanks in advance for all of your help.

January 18, 2010, 13:36

Steve Fonke

more...

January 18, 2010, 13:39

Steve Fonke

still more...

January 18, 2010, 13:39

Steve Fonke

and finally...

January 18, 2010, 13:48

Steve Fonke

also, the serial # is 1017654 which puts it about 1913? It seems to keep very accurate time and is free of any noticable blemishes or wear.

January 18, 2010, 15:33

Lindell V. Riddle

Hi Steve,

WELCOME ABOARD!

Your Dad has a really great one there on several levels.

First, that solid-gold box-hinge hunter case with an inset diamond is truly magnificent! Add to that a Hamilton 993 with full Montgomery dial and that is quite a watch. For anyone not familiar with a 993 that is the hunter version of the Railroad Grade 992 and from a mechanical standpoint the movements are virtually identical.

The dial on your Dad's watch is based on the patent dial designed by Henry S. Montgomery who was the Santa-Fe Railroad Time Inspector for many years. His idea of having marginal minutes around the outer circumference of the dial was used on both watches and clocks, it is a big favorite among watch collectors.

Looks like you got the correct production date from the Gelson Listings on IHC185 and for additional information consider checking into doing a Find-Or-Search for both Hamilton 993 and Montgomery Patent or the various other derivations and similar terms available from the IHC185 Main Page.

Thanks a million for sharing this beautiful example!

Lindell

January 18, 2010, 23:37

John J. Flahive III

Wow Steve! Your Dad's watch is awesome. I have the Hamilton 993 on my wishlist. In fact, I don't have any Hamilton hunters yet.

Great watch that looks 100% original to me. As Lindell said, the 14K case is really special.

John III

January 19, 2010, 08:41

Steve Fonke

Thanks to you both for the replies. I've shared with him your feedback and he is surprised and pleased with the information that you have given. He is by nature a collector of things (not all worth collecing

) but he has several things that are very nice and very old. This watch is clearly one for him to be proud of then. I have begun to appreciate collecting historical things and I hope to keep this watch in the family for another hundred years. Thanks again.

January 19, 2010, 11:56

Steve Fonke

Also, I've noticed that it is losing about a minute per day so I was wondering the best way to get it tuned up/cleaned, etc. Any suggestions? Thanks.

January 19, 2010, 15:49

Chris Abell

Hi Steve,

Please check out my web site, you will also find me in many places on 185

Chris

January 19, 2010, 17:25

Tom Brown

Steve

Chris is highly recommend, I use his services whenever I get something too nice for my inept hands.

Tom