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Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, after 1892, probably early 20th century — view 1 of 5
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, after 1892, probably early 20th century

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Hamilton (maker)
Date
after 1892, probably early 20th century
Country of origin
United States
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
gold
Stock no.
Product 4393
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4393)
Catalogue title (original)
Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch (English)

Editor's note

The shop listing dates this watch 1886 from its presentation engraving, but the Hamilton Watch Company was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892, so the movement cannot be that early. Its 16-size, 21-jewel, double-roller, lever-set movement (grade 992) is a railroad-grade design made well after 1886; the engraving date may commemorate an earlier event. Dated here only as 'after 1892'.

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 4393), this is a pocket watch by Hamilton, made in United States, dated after 1892, probably early 20th century. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. The record is illustrated with 5 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch from 1886 is a remarkable testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the luxurious world of vintage timepieces. This exquisite pocket watch, crafted in 14k yellow gold, is a masterpiece that combines both form and function, encapsulating the rich heritage of Hamilton’s watchmaking excellence. Its triple sunk white dial, adorned with bold Arabic numerals and a convenient sub-seconds feature, is a classic representation of timeless design, while the substantial 51mm diameter case adds a touch of grandeur to its appearance. The presentation engraving, dating back to 1886, adds a unique historical dimension to this already impressive watch, making it a true collector’s item. Powered by a double roller 21 jewel manual wind movement, this timepiece ensures precise timekeeping, while the lever set mechanism provides a secure and reliable setting experience. As a certified pre-owned Hamilton Watch Ref 992, it has undergone meticulous inspection and certification, guaranteeing its authenticity and excellent condition. This vintage Hamilton Hunter Pocket Watch is not just a timepiece; it is a piece of history and luxury, made even more special by its stunning yellow gold craftsmanship and refined design. Owning this pocket watch is an opportunity to possess a true treasure, a symbol of timeless elegance and enduring quality from the late 19th century. Introducing a stunning vintage Hamilton Hunter Case pocket watch, crafted in 14k yellow gold. The timepiece boasts a triple sunk white dial adorned with bold Arabic numerals and convenient sub-seconds. The case measures 16 size and features a large 51mm diameter. A unique addition to this already impressive watch is the presentation engraving which dates it back to 1886. What’s more, this timepiece is equipped with a double roller 21 jewel manual wind movement, ensuring precise timekeeping. It’s also lever set, providing a secure and reliable setting mechanism. The Hamilton Watch Ref 992 is a certified pre-owned timepiece that has undergone careful inspection and certification before being offered to you. This vintage Hamilton Hunter Pocket Watch 992 is truly a piece of history and luxury, made even more special by its stunning yellow gold craftsmanship and refined design. Don’t miss your chance to own a true treasure. Creator: Hamilton Case Material: Yellow Gold Case Dimensions: Height: 51 mm (2.01 in)Width: 51 mm (2.01 in) Period: 1880-1889 Date of Manufacture: 1886 Condition: Excellent

Historical context

Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)

The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.

The pocket watch reached technical maturity and then began to give way to the wristwatch after the First World War. Complicated watches for collectors such as Henry Graves Jr. and James Ward Packard, railroad watches, and slim Art Deco dress watches are characteristic.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution

Atlas type guide

Hunter, half-hunter and open-face watches

In the nineteenth century the pocket watch case settled into a few standard forms. The hunter (French savonnette) has a hinged front lid protecting the crystal — reputedly for riders who could not risk broken glass — and is opened by pressing the crown or a push-piece. The half-hunter has a small window in the lid so the hands can be read when closed. The open-face (lépine) watch has no front cover, with the crown at 12; hunters normally carry the crown at 3.

Case types also changed with winding: key-wound watches gave way to keyless (stem-wound) mechanisms after Adrien Philippe's and others' designs of the 1840s, with pendant setting or lever setting.

What to look for

  • Crown position relative to the seconds dial: at 3 for hunters, at 12 for open-face watches.
  • Spring-loaded front cover with a push-piece in the pendant.
  • Half-hunter chapter ring enamelled on the lid.
  • Key holes in the inner dome (cuvette) versus keyless winding.

Dating clues

  • Keyless winding spread after c. 1850 and became standard by c. 1890.
  • English hallmarks inside gold and silver cases give the year of assay.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Detached lever escapement

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