Hamilton LEVER-SET grade 4992B 12-hour DOUBLE SECOND HAND pocket watch, 1943-p89

  

Hamilton LEVER-SET grade 4992B 12-hour DOUBLE SECOND HAND pocket watch, 1943. Was in good running order, but now needs mainspring. P89 Description: Recently re-acquired in a trade from a regular client: Hamilton LEVER-SET grade 4992B 12-hour DOUBLE SECOND HAND pocket watch, produced in 1943, 16-size, 52mm, chrome-plated base metal open-face recase of military type, stem-wind, unheard of.

So, Frankenstein Special or actual wartime special order product?? The incontrovertible fact is that the front or lower plate of this watch carries the serial number, while the other side of that same plate is set up for lever setting, the lever carried on what is normally the detent screw for a detent stem. The only feature that looks improvised is the horseshoe clip that holds the square winding piston in place with its round channeled top; the opening gap seems roughly made, while the remaining plate recesses appear factory. Grade 4992B watches have invited much controversy, having 12-hour and 24-hour types that show up, and the occasional double-seconds types that can be improvised from 992B parts.

This watch came to me in a GF recase with old-fashioned seconds hands. I installed both Hamilton small seconds, and stripped a white Hamilton sweep that I have a number of, then using a bluing pen to darken it.

The effect is matte black. Everything fit very nicely, right down to the optional lever slots, which I did not even give a second thought to when I put it together. Then I realized, the lever-set version does not exist. So I have provided all disassembled photos for others to enjoy, and generate their own theories.

I only did two further things not mentioned: first I ground the case seat where the case screws sit, for a nice even surface. I noticed the horseshoe clip or bridle had a rounded top that pushed the dial upward this I ground to allow the dial to sit flat, obviously not thought out when the feature was created. Condition: Examined by yours truly, a specialist in antique and vintage watches since 1971: Was in good running order, but now needs mainspring, fine down to fair movement condition overall for this type that is usually in great shape, having many microfine scratches, polished steel work and winding wheels, filaments of oxide remaining despite polishing; dial looks perfect but has barely visible hairline at 12; hands near mint, sub-seconds mint, sweep re-blacked; case shows light wear, some plating loss, profuse microfine scratches with a few sharp scuffs, light dents and dings, mostly blocked out, good knurled detail; bow tight, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.

Please note the order of grading terms - Pristine - Mint - Excellent - Fine - Fair - Poor. All Descriptions Guaranteed, 30-Day Return Privilege.

The item "Hamilton LEVER-SET grade 4992B 12-hour DOUBLE SECOND HAND pocket watch, 1943-p89" is in sale since Monday, June 25, 2018. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Pocket Watches\Antique". The seller is "watchperson" and is located in Milford, New Hampshire.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Number of Jewels: 22 Jewels
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Escapement Type: Lever
• Year of Manufacture: 1920-Now
• Features: 12-Hour Dial
• Brand: Hamilton