The pictures above give the viewer an idea of the different design angles of the Bowman, while the photos below allow you to see what’s under the hood.
So, what about the Bowman?
Hamilton introduced the Bowman in 1939. This watch featured the 14/0 sized 19 jewel 982 Medallion movement. (Which Hamilton collectors consider the company’s finest wristwatch caliber.) The Hamilton Watch Company only made the Bowman for one year and it remains rare.
In the late 1930’s, Hamilton banked on stunning designs and high-tech, precious metal plated movements to sell its watches. It also readied this watch for the coming 1939 New York world’s Fair.
The Bowman came with applied gold numeral dial (solid 18K gold numerals).
Wadsworth manufactured and helped design the Bowman case in collaboration with the company’s internal staff and the independent design firm of DiVincenzo & Arienti of New York. It has similar features with the Ross, Wilshire, Emerson and Boulton.
As part of the late 1930’s collection, the Wilshire appealed to moderately affluent buyers during the depression.
Hamilton’s use of the Elinvar alloy in the balance allowed their watches to become technically superior to both domestic and international competitors. The alloy allows the watch to keep accurate time regardless of fluctuations in temperature and, or altitude. In addition, Hamilton equipped the 982 with materials that allowed watchmakers to tune them to chronometer status.
This Watch
Among other refinements, the restorer replaced the mainspring with a Dynavar alloy – developed by Hamilton in the 1948 and patented in 1951.
Most watchmakers consider it unbreakable and Dynavar allows the watch to obtain the highest amplitude of performance.
The Movement
The restorer refurbished the movement to its original condition with the Elinvar hairspring. He adjusted all the jewels, used fresh synthetic oil, checked all pivots, plates and screws. He found nothing needing replacement, or he said he would have replaced it.
Collectible Hamilton Watches from the 1930’s
This restorer looks for estate pieces with little to no case wear. That allows him to present a watch that appears as it did when offered in the year made. Hamilton always limited the number of retailers allowed to carry their wristwatches and only the finest guild jewelers like Tiffany sold Hamilton watches.
Summary of this model:
Hamilton Bowman 1939 gold filled men’s watch
Model introduced in 1939
Produced for one year
Hamilton 982 Medallion19 Jewel hand wound movement completely restored
Soft leather skin band
HamiltonCase: 24 mm x50 mm lug to lug fully extended
Clasp: Buckle
Water Resistance? These Hand Wound Watches Were Not water resistant
Lug Width: 15 mm
Crystal: Mineral Shatter proof, scratch resistant
Country of Origin: USA
Hamilton released the original manual wind ” Bowman” once. This model represents the original release of the series and than not remains highly desirable with collectors.
Watch industry insiders and critics consider Hamilton’s Art Deco watches from the 1930’s as the finest wind-up mechanical watches ever made. This Bowman lives up to the company’s aspirations. I examined it, photographed it and didn’t want to return it. It’s sold now.