Hamilton Watch Company melamine pocket watch dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1952
Maker / issuer
Hamilton Watch CompanyThis object is a pocket watch dial produced by the Hamilton Watch Company circa 1952 using melamine. The source notes that Hamilton began manufacturing melamine dials in October 1946 as an alternative to vitreous enamel, seeking a brilliant white finish that resisted heat and discoloration while lowering unit production costs.
Over time, continuous thermal expansion and contraction causes the material to develop visible surface fractures. The featured dial illustrates this degradation with extensive crazing across its white ground, accompanied by bold black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial marked Hamilton Railway Special.
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
- Melamine dial
- Place recorded
- United States
- Introduction Date
- October 1946
- Maker / attribution
- Hamilton Watch Company
- Material Nature and Aging
- Thermoplastic subject to expansion, contraction, and fracturing
- Source Caption and Dating
- Melamine dial c. 1952 showing cracks
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular white dial marked 'HAMILTON' and 'RAILWAY SPECIAL' in black capital lettering beneath 12 o'clock. • Black Arabic numerals for hours 1 through 12, framed by an outer dashed minute track. • Inset subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock numbered in Arabic numerals at 10-second increments. • Prominent network of fine crazing and hairline surface cracks throughout the central sector and perimeter.
- Condition and Aging Pattern
- The pictured dial is captioned as dating to circa 1952 and exemplifies the degradation pattern common to Hamilton melamine dials. Over time, the thermoplastic continually shrinks and expands, resulting in surface fractures that mar the dial face. Because of this material vulnerability, the source reports that finding surviving examples of Hamilton melamine dials in excellent condition has become increasingly difficult.
- Visual Characteristics and Layout
- Visually, the circular white dial is marked beneath the 12 o'clock position with the uppercase text 'HAMILTON' over 'RAILWAY SPECIAL'. Hours 1 through 12 are delineated with bold black Arabic numerals, enclosed by an outer dashed minute track. At 6 o'clock, the dial features an inset subsidiary seconds register calibrated in Arabic numerals at 10-second increments. A pervasive network of fine crazing and hairline surface fractures extends across the perimeter and central field.
- Dial Construction and Material Background
- In October 1946, the Hamilton Watch Company began manufacturing watch dials using melamine, a recently commercialized thermoplastic evaluated as a substitute for conventional enamel. Hamilton concluded the material was stainless, resistant to discoloration, and offered a brilliant white finish along with superior surface durability compared to fragile glass enamel. Adoption of melamine was also supported by thermal and economic efficiencies. The material could resist heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, was baked at a lower temperature, and cooled more rapidly than vitreous enamel; company records cited by the source calculated a manufacturing savings of $1.16 per dial relative to comparable enamel dials.
Identification
- 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: Dial feet, dial plate backing, and reverse markings are not shown.
- Research required: Physical diameter and specific compatible movement caliber are not stated in the source text.