SCARCE 18K GOLD HAMILTON Tycoon (Bok) Pocket Watch 400 Grade 12S RUNS WELL

  

I'm proud to offer to the astute collector of timepieces this very scarce and seldom available Hamilton Bok Grade 400 12S Tycoon Series pocket watch, encased in solid 18K gold. Below is a link to a GREAT watch restoration blog, where this model is discussed in greater detail. 1932 Hamilton Bok - Tycoon Series 400 Grade. Illinois would continue to make watches but the Great Depression took its toll on everything, including the watch industry. It wasn't a great time to sell high-end watches, but they tried.

One of the really interesting pocket watch lines is the Tycoon series with the 21 jewel grade 400 movement. The grade 400 was based on excess Illinois grade 528 movements left over in inventory. The Tycoon models were second only to the 23 jewel "masterpiece" models with the 922 movement, although that can really be debated.

They were considerably thinner than anything else in Hamilton's lineup and in many ways were ahead of their time... As you'll see in a bit. About 2,300 grade 400 movements were made in total.

The first 800 used existing Illinois grade 528 movements and you'll find the Illinois serial number stamped on the main plate under the dial on Hamilton 400 movements with serial numbers between H1000 and H1800. The later 1,500 grade 400s also have a number stamped on the main plate. Although those numbers also have 7 digits, they start with the number 540 and the last four digits are the same as the movement Hamilton serial number HXXXX in the range of H2000 through H3500.

The 540XXXX serial numbers don't show up as an Illinois serial number and the overall construction is slightly different, so they are believed to be uniquely Hamilton-produced movements. Although most collectors today favor the larger 16 size or 18 size railroad grade pocket watches, the 21 jewel 12 size 400 models dress pocket watches typically command a premium.

That's partly because of the case material but also because of the overall scarcity of the models - not to mention it's a very attractive looking movement. The Tycoon series came in solid 18K gold cases in white, yellow or green gold, depending on the model. The Tycoon line was produced through 1934. The watch winds and runs, keeping good time. Minor contact marks evident on the 18K gold caseback.

Minor discoloration and patina apparent on the face. The gold overlay of the crown has worn down over the years, exposing the underlying copper of the crown itself, with some evidence of discoloration. Minor discoloration (darkening) evident at perimeter (11 o'clock to 2 o'clock) on the 18K gold bezel I'm sure it can be polished out easily enough, but I have not attempted ANY restoration, in order to offer this watch in its 100% ORIGINAL CONDITION.

The item "SCARCE 18K GOLD HAMILTON Tycoon (Bok) Pocket Watch 400 Grade 12S RUNS WELL" is in sale since Saturday, July 14, 2018. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Pocket Watches\Antique". The seller is "morgancollector" and is located in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Number of Jewels: 21 Jewels
• Model: 400
• Modified Item: No
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Style: Dress/Formal
• Escapement Type: Lever
• Pocket Watch Size: 12
• Material: 18k Yellow Gold
• Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding)
• Features: 12-Hour Dial
• Year of Manufacture: 1920-Now
• Closure: Open Face
• Brand: Hamilton (Illinois)
• Serial Number: H1713