Hamilton 950B 16-size 23-jewel railroad pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1952 / c. 1957
According to the seller, this American railroad pocket watch was manufactured by the Hamilton Watch Co. circa 1952 (dated c. 1957 in the listing title). The 16-size nickel bridge movement, grade 950B, bears 23 jewels and is adjusted to temperature and six positions with serial number S21608.
The source notes it is fitted with an Elinvar Extra hairspring, a lever escapement, and a micrometer regulator. The movement is cased in a Model A 10K gold-filled open-face case featuring milled edges and raised circular motifs on the bezel. The single-sunk Montgomery melamine dial displays bold Arabic numerals and blued steel hands with subsidiary seconds.
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
- Type
- Railroad pocket watch
- Dimensions
- 50mm x 15mm deep
- Jewel Count
- 23 Jewels
- Case Material
- 10K Gold filled
- Serial Number
- S21608
- Dial Signature
- Hamilton, Railway Special
- Movement Grade
- 950B
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Hamilton Watch Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • Full front view showing the Montgomery-style white dial with distinct Arabic hour numerals and perimeter minute numbers. • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals. • Gold-filled bezel ornamented with raised circular accents along a milled outer border. • Winding crown and bow located directly above the 12 o'clock position. • Dial signed 'HAMILTON RAILWAY SPECIAL'.
- Dial and Visual Appearance
- The pocket watch displays an open-face configuration with a single-sunk Montgomery-style melamine dial signed 'Hamilton, Railway Special'. Visible dial elements include distinct Arabic hour numerals, a continuous perimeter minute track with individual Arabic figures, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. Time is indicated by a pair of blue steel hands. The timepiece measures 50 mm across by 15 mm deep. Visible around the front bezel is a milled outer border accented by repeating raised circular motifs, with the winding crown and bow positioned directly above 12 o'clock. The seller reports that the watch is fitted with a flat bulls-eye glass.
- Reported Movement and Construction
- According to the seller's description, the movement is a 16-size high-grade nickel bridge grade 950B mechanism bearing serial number S21608. The dealer states it features 23 jewels, gold jewel settings, a micrometer regulator, a lever escapement, and a gold-capped escape wheel and lever. The listing notes it is jewelled to the mainspring, utilizes an Elinvar Extra hairspring, and is stem-wound and lever-set. The movement decoration is described as having pinstripe damascening on the bridges and circular damascening on the winding wheels. Engraved bridge text is transcribed by the dealer as 'Hamilton Watch Co, USA, Adj temp & 6 positions, 950B, 23 Jewels' alongside serial number S21608.
- Case Details and Source Limitations
- The movement is housed in what the listing terms a Model A 10K gold-filled open-face case fitted with a screw-off back and bezel. The exterior features milled edges and raised circular motifs, with a smooth plain finish reported on the case back. Wear noted in the listing includes light scratches on the case back and deep marks on one small raised circle on the back bezel. Because the provided photograph only displays the front dial side, all movement descriptions—including the caliber grade, jewel settings, damascening, and serial number S21608—rely solely on the dealer's catalog text. In addition, the source provides conflicting production dates, listing 'c1957' in the listing title while stating 'circa 1952' in the item description.
Identification
- Reference
- 950B
- Serial number
- S21608
- 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 source provides conflicting dates: c1957 in the listing title and circa 1952 in the body description.
- Research required: Movement details and serial number cannot be verified from the image as only the dial side is shown; details rely entirely on dealer statements.