C. 1932 Hamilton Grade 400 12s Pocket Watch 14k Gold Filled Case Only 2300 Made

  

Hamilton Grade 400 Pocket Watch 14k Gold Filled Case Only 2300 Made! A very nice 12s Hamilton Grade 400 movement in a 14k yellow gold filled case. There were approximately only 2300 of these movements ever made, around the beginning of the Great Depression.

When a large percentage of the people can't eat, 18k gold watches don't sell very well. So many of these sat around for several years and eventually many were repurposed into a less expensive case and given as awards watches. This is one of that type as the movement was made in 1931/1932, but the watch wasn't given out as an award until 1936. The movement itself was based on an Illinois grade that was beginning production when Hamilton bought Illinois. Instead of scrapping it, they turned these into a beautiful 12s dress watch. You can see the condition of the dial, hands, case, and movement in the photos. The dial looks pretty good, with some marks on it and a dark patch around the edge at 10 o'clock. Hands also look pretty good, but not perfect.

The case is in really good shape for this age of gold filled, with very little noticeable wear. I took a picture showing what I found to be the worst spot, and it may clean off or it could be wear.

The glass (not plastic) crystal looks great. Note, while this dial looks a lot like the dial you'll find on a Hamilton 917/921/923/945, it is of a different design.

It doesn't have dial feet, it goes over the edge of the movement, like a Pringles can lid. They call it a snap on dial in the database. The 21j hand winding mechanical movement is lovely to look at.

This one ticks, but it needs a quality service. It stops and if you give it a twist it will start again, sometimes taking a few times to get it going, so it's not quite right of course. Inside the case back you can see something has rubbed in a circle. Looking closer at the movement it appears the screws holding the ratchet wheel aren't original and protrude up and rub the case, which might be part of why it stops?

The hairspring looks fine (nothing obvious to me) and there doesn't seem to be the wobble that you usually see with a broken balance staff pivot, but I cant say exactly what it is that keeps it from running well. So, parts/repair/spares/collect for this one, no guarantees except that is exactly the watch you'll get.

Here is info from the pocketwatch database about this movement, this one is Serial number H2607. Be careful if you go looking this up, some of the Hamilton 921 movements also have serial numbers in the same range, but this one is definitely a Hamilton 400. Hunting: The stem is at the 3:00 position, and the movement is meant to be mounted in a case that has a covering over the face. "Sidewinders" are hunting movements in openface cases. " style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(27, 118, 176); text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;>Movement Finish:NickelMovement Inlay Color:GiltMovement Setting:PendantPlate:Bridge PlateBridge Type:CenterBarrel:Patent MotorRegulator:Illinois SpringHairspring:BreguetPallet Jewel Material:RubyAdjusted:YesAdjusted # of Positions:5Adjusted to Temperature:YesRailroad Grade:NoDial Feet Locations:Snap-On DialMovement Markings:Hamilton. 1932 Hamilton Grade 400 12s Pocket Watch 14k Gold Filled Case Only 2300 Made" is in sale since Saturday, March 20, 2021. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Pocket Watches". The seller is "etsuprof" and is located in Johnson City, Tennessee. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
• Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
• Dial Style: Arabic Numerals
• Year Manufactured: 1930-1939
• Vintage: Yes
• Brand: Hamilton
• Case Color: Yellow Gold
• Department: Men
• Type: Pocket Watch
• Customized: Yes
• Model: Hamilton 400
• Style: Dress/Formal
• Case Material: Gold Filled
• Display: Analog