How to Identify Hamilton Watches
Hamilton watches are well known for their outstanding quality, accuracy and durability. The Hamilton Watch Co. started making watches in 1892. Its most famous product is a pocket watch, but the company also made wrist watches as well. Because of their reputation, Hamilton watches are a much- desired item. It's important to correctly identify Hamilton watches because they are often worth a lot of money. Use some basic guidelines to identify Hamilton watches. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Methods
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1
Look for the words "Hamilton" or "Hamilton Watch Co." on the face of the watch.
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2
Print out a table (or chart) that shows Hamilton watch serial numbers and grades. These charts can easily be found on Internet websites.
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3
Carefully open the case of the watch. If you are not sure how to do it, ask a jeweler for help.
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4
Look for the Hamilton name on the watch movement. The movement is the interior (or set of gears) inside the watch.
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5
Write down the serial number that is on the watch movement. The serial number is often located along the edge of the movement, but this can vary. Look for the serial number on a chart that has a list of Hamilton watch serial numbers. As an example, Hamilton watches from 1893 have serial numbers from 1 to 2000.
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Write down any numbers (and letters) that precede the serial numbers on the movement. Hamilton watches began including grades in the 1920s. The grade usually includes three numbers that are occasionally followed by a letter. The grade is the quality of the watch, and the amount of work that went into making it. Compare the grades (and letters) to a table that has a list of Hamilton grade marks. A Hamilton watch with a grade of 979 was made in the years from 1934 to 1951. A grade mark of 980B tells you it's a Hamilton watch from the years 1937 to 1946.
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7
Compare the watch to pictures of Hamilton watches. These pictures are available on Internet websites, and various books. The pictures might not completely verify it's a Hamilton watch, but they will provide you with a pretty good idea. Once you date when the watch was made using its serial numbers and grade letters, compare the watch to pictures of Hamilton watches from that year.
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Take the watch to a Hamilton watch retailer. Also, when you purchase a Hamilton watch, ask for papers with a date and guarantee.
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Tips & Warnings
Ignore numbers on the case of the watch. Hamilton did not make its own cases.
