Calling all Pocket Watch Buffs

Bernhard J · Sat. 8:01am

I do not normally buy movements, but here I could not resist. It is a Glashütte movement by Grossmann from around 1867, with a pointed-tooth lever escapement. It has some technical features that are typical for early Grossmann watches, for example winding wheel, ratchet wheel, escape wheel and lever made of aluminum bronze, Grossmann fine adjustment, concealed ratchet with its own ratchet wheel under the large “ratchet wheel”. All cocks and bridges bear a “9” hallmark on the underside, the final digit of the serial number. The condition is flawless, the dial is perfect, the hands are original, only the winding stem is missing. Early Grossmann watches were still signed “Dresden”. Later Grossmann watches were then signed “Glashütte” and had the usual three-quarter plate and Glashütte escapement.

I will give the movement a service, make the missing winding stem and then see if I can find a suitable case.

Copyright first two photos: Dr. Crott Auktionen, the other ones are by myself.

Canuck · Sat. 8:55am

It is always interesting to see some of the interesting design features on such early European watches. Particularly the ratchet wheel beneath the main winding gear. This one appears to have had a stop works feature on the mainspring barrel cover. Even as early as this movement is, I noticed the jewels are friction fitted into the plates. This is different to the U S made watches I collect. Finding a case will be a challenge I suspect, but this is certainly a worthy project.

Canuck · 2025-03-02T11:41:39-0600

I see the West Coast Canadian contingent is awake, with @DaveK ‘s post featuring his Hamilton 992B. So l’ll continue the trend with pictures of a favourite pocket watch of mine. This is a Hamilton grade 952 model from circa 1909. It is a 19-jewel version of the venerable Hamilton 23-jewel grade 950. I bought this one about 40 years ago when it was flying under the radar. Since then, it has become recognized, partly because of its fairly low production. There were three versions of the grade 952, this version being the earliest. This case has a hinged front bezel, hinged back, and hinged cuvette. The strictest time service rules forbade hinged covers, but this one might well have been considered to be of railroad standard by some railroads. The movement certainly was railroad standard.

noelekal · 2025-03-02T14:10:50-0600

Now I'm wanting a decent example of a Hamilton 952.

Thanks just a whole lot Canuck!

Canuck · 2025-03-02T15:07:30-0600

noelekal
Now I'm wanting a decent example of a Hamilton 952.

Thanks just a whole lot Canuck!

Good advice to folks who are building a collection. There is so much choice to be had it can be difficult for a newby to settle on what tickles his fancy, most. This thread is a great place to sort the wheat from the chaff. Learn about the items others collect, and you’ll find yourself using the “rifle” approach to building a collection, rather than the “shotgun” approach. When you find yourself that precious 952, you can thank me! 😉

P.S. I see a few 952s on offer at present. Ranging from under $300 (non original case), to $400 (looks okay), to over $1,100.

noelekal · 2025-03-02T16:19:59-0600

I shotguned it Canuck. Concentrated on railroad grade selections from Elgin, Hamilton, Illinois, and Waltham ... and then electric railroad, interurban, and commercial models started creeping in.

Bernhard J's influence here is beginning to bug me. I find I could enjoy some European examples.

That's all I need, is more watches!

ghce · 2025-03-02T17:04:04-0600

noelekal
I shotguned it Canuck. Concentrated on railroad grade selections from Elgin, Hamilton, Illinois, and Waltham ... and then electric railroad, interurban, and commercial models started creeping in.

Bernhard J's influence here is beginning to bug me. I find I could enjoy some European examples.

That's all I need, is more watches!

Wot, are you saying that we are all PW enablers on this forum? 😀

Here is one I have been eying up but I am not enthused with the single sunk dial or its markings.

Canuck · 2025-03-02T17:09:40-0600

ghce
Wot, are you saying that we are all PW enablers on this forum? 😀

Here is one I have been eying up but I am not enthused with the single sunk dial or its markings.

Speaking for myself, I don’t collect 12-size watches. However, this Hamilton grade 900 has everything its big brothers have. Could set a trend, I suppose. I do have a few pocket watches in that size range in my collection that are special interest watches.

noelekal · 2025-03-02T17:29:03-0600

Ya' could have a new favorite right there ghce!

Waltesefalcon · 2025-03-02T17:44:09-0600

My only 12s Hamilton is this 920.

noelekal · 2025-03-02T18:07:06-0600

Have to admit that I am fond of the double sunk dial.

The only pocket watch I have without such a dial is an Illinois Texan I picked up about a year ago.

Canuck · 2025-03-02T21:12:55-0600

Waltesefalcon
My only 12s Hamilton is this 920.

The 920 is so close to the grade 922 Masterpiece, that it has occurred to me that the only difference might be the addition of the word Masterpiece engraved on the plates of the grade 922. And of course, the price!