
Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, after 1892, probably early 20th century
- Maker / attribution
- Hamilton (maker)
- Date
- after 1892, probably early 20th century
- Historical period
- Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
- Country of origin
- United States
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 4422
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4422)
- 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 993) 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 4422), 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 4 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
Step back in time with the exquisite Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, a timeless piece of horological artistry from 1886. This pre-owned marvel is encased in luxurious 14k yellow gold, adorned with an intricately etched garden motif that exudes elegance and sophistication. The watch features a triple sunk white dial with Arabic numerals and sub-seconds, presenting a classic and refined aesthetic. Measuring 16 size, the case, crafted by Dueber, includes a presentation engraving that dates back to the late 19th century. Powered by a double roller 21 jewel manual wind movement, this pocket watch not only showcases historical craftsmanship but also ensures precision and reliability. Certified pre-owned, this Hamilton Hunter Pocket Watch 993 stands as a testament to its enduring quality and authenticity. With a substantial 51 mm case size, it is a statement piece that commands attention and admiration, making it a perfect addition to any discerning collector’s ensemble. This is a beautiful pre-owned Hamilton Hunter Case pocket watch, crafted in 14k yellow gold with an intricately etched garden motif on the case. The watch boasts a triple sunk white dial with Arabic numerals and sub-seconds, offering a classic and refined look. Measuring 16 size, the case is made by Dueber and features presentation engraving dating back to 1886. The watch is powered by a double roller 21 jewel manual wind movement that functions with precision and reliability. This vintage Hamilton Hunter Pocket Watch 993 is certified pre-owned, ensuring its quality and authenticity. With its 51 mm case size, it makes for a statement piece that is sure to impress. 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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