Hamilton Model 21 marine chronometers

Hamilton Chronometers
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Hamilton W.W. II era model 22 gimbaled deck watch chronometer in original 3 section box. U.S. Navy marked. Circa 1942. This is a nice example of the Hamilton gimbaled model 22 chronometer watch. The model 22 chronometer watch was designed and built to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy in W.W. II. It is a 35 size, 21 jewel lever escapement chronometer. The watch is in a very heavy solid brass tub with a screw on base. It is in excellent condition. The movement is signed "USN Bureau of Ships". The back of the brass tub is marked "Bureau of Ships" & "U.S. Navy" with a Naval Observatory serial number of 2100 and a contract date of 1942.

This watch is an excellent timekeeper. It will run for approximately 60 hours on a single winding. It is intended, however, to be wound at the same time every day. An up/down indicator shows the winding condition. A detailed description of the timepiece can be found in Whitney's book: Military Timepieces. The Hamilton Watch Co. put many very sophisticated innovations into this deck chronometer, and it may be arguably the finest mass produced lever escapement timepiece. Some of the innovations incorporated into this watch include a 60 in. long mainspring (unheard of for this type of watch, it insured a steady amount of power) and a unique biaxial thermal expansion type of balance wheel coupled to an Elinvar hairspring. It also has a "safety setting device" to prevent accidental time change. The box features a plaque describing this device and how to use it. The face, hands, and movement on this example are original and in excellent condition. The beautifully lacquered navy brass is excellent throughout. The unit comes in an original Hamilton three section box complete with observation lid, glass viewing section and brass gimbal. The box shows very slight signs of use commensurate with having been used in the U.S. Navy for over 40 years. Chrome Hamilton Watch Co., Lanscaster, PA, U.S.A. name plate on the front of the box. The unit appears to have been well cared for. An outstanding nautical timepiece that would look as great on a Yacht as in a study or on a living room table

Price $1500

Hamilton model 22 gimbaled deck watch chronometer in original 3 section box: retail display model. Circa 1945-1946. Similar to above except this was produced at the end of the war for private sale. It was probably used a jewelry store window or counter for display of "Correct Time". Townspeople could set their watches by it. The dial is improved and more silvered then the military version. The movement is still is a U.S. Navy marked movement. The movement is signed "USN Bureau of Ships-1943". Many of the civilian models made available to jewelry stores just after the war have the 1943 contract date. The movement is running strong and well.

The box features a plaque describing this device and how to use it. The face, hands, and movement on this example are original and in excellent condition. The beautifully lacquered navy brass is excellent throughout. The unit comes in an original Hamilton three section box complete with observation lid, glass viewing section and brass gimbal. The box shows very slight signs of use. Chrome Hamilton Watch Co., Lanscaster, PA, U.S.A. name plate on the front of the box. The unit appears to have been well cared for. Another outstanding timepiece.

Price $1500

Hamilton Model 22 Chronometer Deck Watch w/ double boxes, circa 1942. The model 22 chronometer watch was designed and built to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy in W.W. II. It has a massive 35 size, 21 jewel movement in near mint condition. The watch is in a base metal keystone flat case with a screw on bezel and back. It is in excellent/near mint condition and is keeping good time. The movement is signed "USN Bureau of Ships". The back is signed "Bureau of Ships", "U.S. Navy" and "Chronometer Watch" with a Naval Observatory serial number of 3520. The dial and hands are near mint with no discoloration. The inner deck box is in near mint condition with original finish and plastic setting instructions card on top. The outer box is in very good condition with some signs of use and retains its original finish and original leather carrying strap. There is a small humidity crack that runs one inch along the top rear of outer case but does not detract from overall appearance of the box. Both the inner and outer boxes are lined in a wool flannel nest to protect the timepiece during transportation. Both boxes have nickel plated hardware throughout including the Hamilton Watch Co. name plate on the outer box. A plastic window on the inner box allows for the chronometer watch to be read while in the box. This version of the model 22 was removed from military service sometime in the late 1940s and as such is seldom encountered with both boxes. This is one of the best examples of this chronometer watch I've encountered. A great looking authentic W.W. II Naval timepiece that would look great in a library, office, or yhact!

Price $1500

Hamilton Model 22 Chronometer Deck Watch, Marked "U.S. Army", circa 1944. The model 22 chronometer watch was designed and built to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy in W.W. II. It has a massive 35 size, 21 jewel movement in near mint condition. The watch is in a base metal keystone flat case with a screw on bezel and back. It is in excellent and is keeping good time. The movement is signed "USN Bureau of Ships". The dial is signed "Property of U.S. Army". The dial and hands are near mint with some light aging of the lacquer on the dial to an even cream color. Very few of these watches were supplied to the Army during the war as it was the Navy that originally contracted and had an urgent need for them This is a rare U.S. Army version of the famous model 22!

Price $975

Hamilton 992B pocket watch, circa 1941. The model 992B watch was designed originally as a railroad watch for the railway system in the United States. A limited number of these were purchased and used by the US Army during WWII to assist in the massive logistical effort of moving men and marterials around Europe. Here then is a an excellent example of such a watch. It is 21 jewels and adjusted to 6 positions. The back of the case features proper ordenance markings and the movement is marked "US Gov.". This is a rare U.S. Army version of the famous 992B!

Price $475

Hamilton Model 21 Marine Chronometer. This is the famous marine chronometer developed by Hamilton during W.W. II. It is complete in new box hand made by a master cabinet maker using original government specifications. The chronometer mechanism was overhauled at the Bremerton, WA Naval chronometer depot in the early 1990s and will be delivered still sealed in the protective plastic wrap. The Performance Certificate from the Pugent Sound Naval Shipyard is included. The mechanism is fitted with an attachment to lock the balance wheel in place without removing the chronometer from the brass tub. All serial numbers match. Complete with winding and unlocking key. A wonderful and very attractive presentation piece.

Price $2500

Also available a rare U.S. Army marked model. Pls. email for details.

Hamilton Model 21 French Hydrographique Survey Marine. Marine Chronometer with break circuit. This is the famous marine chronometer developed by Hamilton during W.W. II. It is complete in original box and appears to have served a later life after that with the USN as a survey chronometer for the prestigious Hydrograph. All serial numbers match. Complete with winding key. A wonderful and very attractive presentation piece.

Price $2950

If you are interested in purchasing any of these pieces or have any questions, please e-mail me, Chris Hooper at chris@chronometer.net. You may also contact me at: 312.587.8192 (until 10:30 CST)

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