I have an unusual Hamilton 2974B comparing watch without a [movement] number! Normally, the serial number (K### or 2K###) can be found in the space between the barrel bridge and the balance cock. In this watch, there is nothing there. What is the deal?

The inside of the case back of this watch has a sticker with the words STD LAB, the number 714, and a long acronym: U.S.N.O.T.S.

Does anyone know what that stands for? Could this sticker be related to the lack of a number on the movement?

Thanks for any help you might be able to provide.

John III

"U.S.N.O.T.S."

United States Naval Ordnance Test Station

regards,
bb

Apparently someone built a watch on a Hamilton pillar plate with no serial number. I have seen them offered for sale on eBay.

It could be built up from parts, which is what I think Ed is saying - if so I would tend to agree with him.

quote:

United States Naval Ordnance Test Station

what I think is also possible is that it was supplied by Hamilton to United States Naval Ordnance Test Station for testing or consideration or approval ??? I've never seen those decals on the loose ,though after the fact sale of Hamilton and military stores material might have taken place,it would be still quite a chore for it to be just a few buck scam don't you think? It might have been an early factory submitted prototype

It would be interesting to see if there are any numbers on the different plates or bridges.

Tom

Thanks for all the input.

I'll pull the dial and the balance cock to see what is what. Pics forthcoming.

John III

I'd be interested to see what you find, but I wouldn't expect there to be any serial numbers on the back sides of the bridges. In the era of truly interchangeable parts, that was no longer needed.

After consulting with my Master Watchmaker, Anthony, the movement has been taken apart. It wasn't running, so we needed to take it apart anyway.

It turns out Ed was right, there are no serial numbers on any of the bridges.

No serial number on the pillar plate area where it is supposed to be. No file marks either so it never had one.

And also no serial number on the pillar plate under the dial.

Does this mean that there are no serial numbers anywhere on 2974B comparing watches except in the usual place?

Maybe I should take another one apart to see what I can find.

John III

Yes John, I'd say so. Interesting research we're doing here!

A decal placed on the outside would be subject to being worn off the case, as any who have bought decal glass clocks will attest. Many of the Pequegnat King Edward and Canadian Time decals were worn off or worn thin from cleaning the glass in use,and they were on the inside of the door glass, so I find the decal inside the case to be a preferred location for both the maker and testing body,just my opinion, which,along with $1.59 will get you A CUP OF COFFEE!!!

Way to go Anthony!

clever lad, is our Tom

Based on the info from Ed and Lindell regarding the lack of serial number markings on the 2974B bridges, I'm not going to take apart another one.

Just wondering where a pillar plate without a serial number might come from?

Another shot of Anthony doing some tweezing.