Tom Adelstein

First Wristwatch Movements The Hamilton Watch Company had little experience with wristwatches. In 1917, people knew them as the world’s premiere pocket watch company. The built the business and their reputtion as the most accurate and reliable watch ever build. When they finally ventured into the “strap” watch business, they had the mentality of putting […]

Second Generation of Wristwatch Movements: 987 Caliber 6/0986 Caliber 6/0 — Cushion Plain without the second hand Hamilton produced these models under the concept of geometric design. The company didn’t change these offerings until 1927, so the title of this article should be Hamilton Wristwatches from 1924 – 1926.  The design lacked originality, but they

  Hamilton’s established a policy in 1929  of placing their highest grade movements in their solid gold cases. Thus, the company offered 19 jewel 979 movements and  987 17 jewel movements in gold-filled cases. Executives set the policy to establish Hamilton as the finest watch in the world, not just American. The policy worked. Hamilton

Hamilton introduced three wristwatches in 1928: Piping Rock, Hastings, and Meadowbrook. With the release of the Piping Rock, the company shifted away from naming their wristwatches after geometric shapes. Many observers believe that the wristwatch design group (of the newly acquired Illinois Watch Company) influences all wristwatch design. Hastings Meadow Brook Hamilton manufactured approximately 26,000

Movement 987 – 17 Jewels The 987 is a 6/0 size movement with 17 ruby and sapphire jewels. Hamilton improved the movement adding an Elinvar hairspring, mono-metallic balance wheel and improved friction jeweling. Hamilton used nickel plating for bridges and jewel plates. On the wristwatch side of the watch business, aviators kicked-off a spurt of