Hamilton 940 Box Hinge Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1903
This open-face pocket watch is reported by the dealer to be an 18-size, 21-jewel railroad grade timepiece produced by Hamilton Watch Co circa 1903. According to source details, the watch houses a nickel full-plate movement numbered 232598 equipped with a lever escapement, micrometer regulator, raised gold jewel settings, and damascened finishing.
The yellow-gold-toned case features large box hinges, chased scrollwork, and floral engraving around the bezel and edges. The visible dial is double-sunk white enamel signed 'Hamilton Watch Co.', displaying black Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds track, and outer red five-minute markers under mineral glass.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Size
- 18s
- Type
- Open-face pocket watch
- Dimensions
- 54mm wide x 18mm deep
- Jewel Count
- 21 Jewels
- Dial Material
- White enamel double sunk
- Place recorded
- United States
- Movement Serial
- 232598
- Winding/Setting
- Stem wound / lever set
- Maker / attribution
- Hamilton Watch Co
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial signed 'Hamilton Watch Co.' in script, with bold black Arabic hour numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. • Perimeter track displays red Arabic five-minute numbers alongside black minute tick marks. • Blued steel spade hands with openwork details. • Gold-toned case with heavily chased, ornate foliate decoration along the bezel and rim. • Prominent box hinge visible at the bottom rim (6 o'clock position). • Fluted onion-style crown and round pendant in gold tone, paired with a dark-toned, un-gilded bow.
- Dial and Visual Presentation
- The pocket watch displays a double-sunk white enamel dial signed "Hamilton Watch Co" in script under the 12 o'clock position. The primary time chapter features bold black Arabic hour numerals, paired with an outer track showing red Arabic five-minute numbers alongside black minute tick marks. A recessed subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock, and the dial features blued steel spade hands with openwork detailing beneath a mineral glass crystal. Visual observation of the exterior shows an ornate yellow-gold-toned case decorated with chased foliate and scroll detailing around the bezel and edge. A prominent box hinge is visible along the rim at the 6 o'clock position, paired with a rounded pendant, a fluted onion-style crown, and a contrasting dark-toned, un-gilded bow.
- Reported Movement and Operating Mechanism
- The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided primary photograph, so all mechanical details reflect dealer descriptions rather than direct photographic verification. The listing identifies the watch as an 18-size, stem-wound and lever-set timepiece made by Hamilton circa 1903, categorized as a 21-jewel railroad grade pocket watch. The nickel full-plate movement is reported to feature a lever escapement, micrometer regulator, raised gold jewel settings, and damascened finishing. It is catalogued as bearing the movement inscription “Hamilton Watch Co, Lancaster, Pa, 21 Jewels, Adjusted” under movement serial number 232598.
- Case Construction and Physical Measurements
- According to the dealer's listing, the watch is housed in an open-face, gold-plated case measuring 54 mm in width by 18 mm in depth. The housing is designed with large box hinges as well as a hinged back and bezel, with exterior chased sides and floral engraving. The seller notes that the case body retains its gold-plated exterior, while the bow has experienced finish loss and is described as having lost its gilding, matching the darker appearance seen on the exterior bow.
Identification
- Reference
- 940
- Serial number
- 232598
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The internal movement (serial 232598, jewel count, and damascening) is described in the dealer listing but not visible in the provided image.
- Research required: The bow shows finish loss compared to the gold-plated case body, as noted by the dealer.