I have a 996L #1338978

Gelson has that run of 996L’s dating 1920-1921, and PWDB shows it going to the finishing department on January 12, 1921.

QUESTION: Would this script dial be acceptable for this watch? I know they phased them out about 1920 but I'm thinkin this one could have made it on there?

Has the later BIG red 5 min markers and the 30 is upright


Does anyone have any concrete dates for the last 16S script dials shipped out of the factory and/or any ads showing them?

Opinions?

Tom,I have a 996 S/N 1272298=1919 with dial #436
Hamilton in script and a 992 S/N 1608870=1921 dial
436 Hamilton in script. Hands on both are the swelled spade railroad type. I believe both of these to correct and I think yours is also. Just my
2 cents. Nice watch.

Roger

Tom, just my opinion here.

The dial would probably work fine, but I would question the hands. That year movement should have the earlier spade minute/hour hands on it. The seconds hand looks fine.

Regards,
Larry

I have a 972 made in 1921 and it has the Hamilton in script dial also. My understanding is a little different from yours Tom. My understanding is that Hamilton started switching to Block around 1918 and was completed around 1924. I don't know where I heard that or even if it is true. The dial on my 972 has hair lines so I replaced it with Hamilton in block. I hope either would be correct for this time period.