Hamilton "950B" 16-size open face pocket watch

Technical characteristics

Type

Open-face pocket watch

Model

950B

Dial Material

Double sunk melamine dial

Place recorded

United States

Size and Jewels

16 size, 23 jewels

Case Description

Yellow gold filled, screw back and bezel, open face bar over crown case

Maker and Location

Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, Penn.

Maker / attribution

Hamilton Watch Co.

Movement Serial Number

S15870

Design

Visible features

• White dial signed 'HAMILTON' beneath 12 o'clock • Outer chapter of black Arabic numerals 1 through 12, complemented by inner ring of 13 through 24 hour markers • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with 18 hour numeral printed above center • Gold-toned front bezel decorated with repeated relief patterned edge • Ornate bow and bar positioned over the winding crown at 12 o'clock

Dial and Visual Presentation

Visual observation shows a white dial bearing an outer track of black Arabic numerals from 1 through 12, paired with a concentric inner chapter of 13 through 24 hour markers. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, with the 18 hour numeral printed above its center, and 'HAMILTON' is signed beneath 12 o'clock. The auction catalog describes the dial as an 'arabic numeral, double sunk melamine dial' with 'black steel spade and poker hands'. In terms of condition, the seller lists 'Fine abrasion and minor cracks' on the dial, along with an 'Acrylic crystal with minor scratches', encased by a gold-toned front bezel featuring a relief-patterned border.

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided lot photograph, meaning all technical details rely directly on the catalog description. The listing identifies the movement as a Hamilton Watch Co. Model '950B' from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, bearing serial number S15870 and assigned an approximate date of circa 1950. The seller describes the movement as a 16-size, 23-jewel 'damascened nickel plate movement with lever escapement, double roller and whiplash micrometric regulator', operating via stem wind and lever set and 'adjusted to 6 positions, temperature, and isochronism'. Mechanical condition is reported as 'Running order (winds, sets and ticks)', with noted plate scratches, winding wheel scratches, marred screw heads, and one replaced case screw.

Case Characteristics and Condition Reports

The watch is housed in an open-face case described by the catalog as 'yellow gold filled, screw back and bezel, open face bar over crown case'. Visible inspection confirms a gold-toned front bezel and an ornate bow and bar positioned over the winding crown at the 12 o'clock position. The catalog's condition report notes several physical defects on the case, including a 'Back with three shallow dents; Dings; Band with small flat at 9:00; Scratches on outer surface of case' as well as 'Inside of back with tool marks from dent removal; Gold filled with minor brassing' and a worn bow.

Identification

Reference

950B

Serial number

S15870

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.