DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, "Montgomery's Standard Numerical Dial. The Hamilton." marked dial, "Inspector's Standard" marked mvt, Grade 940, 21J, 18S, gold-filled OF case with attractive engine turning and engraving detail, white enamel DS dial with marginal minute numerals, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, nickel damascene, s#432106. Comes with an attached leather strap with "Hamilton Standard" marked brass and red enameled fob. An attractive watch with combination of rare movement marking and very rare dial marking. The "Inspector's Standard" marked movements were made for the Smith Patterson Co. of Boston, Massachusetts in Grade 940, Grade 992, and Grade 993 versions. The dial of this example represents an early version of Henry S. Montgomery's marginal minute design, and notably this example (along with the very few identically marked others we've encountered) does not include a "6" hour numeral within its seconds-register so it differs in this respect from the marginal minute design that Montgomery ultimately established into mass production. From the well-known Hamilton collection of Robert Bennett of Olivehurst, California.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking but with very sluggish balance motion of low amplitude when in dial-up position, winds stiffly, overhaul recommended, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, scratch to right side of barrel bridge, scattered fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, small spot of finish loss to upper portion of barrel bridge, regulator assembly with some areas of mild oxide; excellent dial with only a light outer chapter hl at 3:30; nearly mint hands; case shows very little wear, ding to rear of band at 7:30, excellent engine turning and engraving detail, inner surface of rear is largely through to brass and has a spotted finish that was likely imparted at a later point in the case's existence; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal. Fob and strap appear to be likely of relatively modern era creation, both in excellent cosmetic condition.
ESTIMATE:
$600
-
$1000
"
"
"
"
"
"