I'm named after a grandfather who died long before I was born. When going through grandma's things after her death, we found an old Hamilton watch that had been presented to him by a group of friends. It was in terrible shape. The crystal was missing, and apparently had been for years because the dial was horribly corroded. The second hand was missing. The movement ran, but there were obvious signs of corrosion there as well.
I finally decided I wanted the old watch restored, and took it to a watchmaker. I really regret not taking a 'before' picture, but here are some 'after' shots.
I'd appreciate any and all information about this particular model of watch and the 982 movement. In poking around the Internet, I've found several other watches with 982 movements, but haven't seen this particular case before.
I should correct that -- any and all information aside from value. I know it was worth what I spent on the restoration to me to have some tangible tie to my namesake. Its market value matters not at all.
Your watch appears to be an "Essex", a 1941 design. We know your grandfather received it in 1942.
The 982 movement is a 19 jewel size 14/0 movement first made in 1935. Production ended in 1951 after 669,600 such movements were made. Serial numbers went from J 1,001 to J 670,600.
Thank you! I found several good photos, and realize now my watchmaker and I both messed up on the strap. Somehow we both overlooked the holes inside the lugs for a typical spring bar installation, and he tracked down a strap that has the end threaded through the lug, and then glued down. Glad it wasn't too expensive as I'll be cutting it off, and getting a proper spring bar strap.
I hate to hotlink someone else's pictures, so look about halfway down this page for photos of two different ways to attach the strap.
I know I said I wasn't interested in current value, but I am curious what it would have cost new.
Your watch appears to be an "Essex", a 1941 design. We know your grandfather received it in 1942.
The 982 movement is a 19 jewel size 14/0 movement first made in 1935. Production ended in 1951 after 669,600 such movements were made. Serial numbers went from J 1,001 to J 670,600.
I have the old Hamilton catalogs on disc and the 1941 price for the Essex was $45. How that translates into 2010 dollars I don't know, but I suspect that it was at least 1-2 weeks wages back then.
Thank you very much. I just ran that number through a few different calculators. Numbers were all over the map; but, by most measures, that would equate to something like $650 in 2010 US Dollars.
It looks like the original 980 movement was replaced with this 982 somewhere along the line. The serial number indicates it was made in about the summer of 1946. It looks great for 64 years of age. :-!
BTW, if you ever want to fit your Hamilton with the period-correct caliber 980, you'll want to find one with a serial number in the range of G300000-G360000. These 980 movements were made in 1941, which is about right for a January 1942 inscription. Personally, I'd rather just keep the 982.
BTW, if you ever want to fit your Hamilton with the period-correct caliber 980, you'll want to find one with a serial number in the range of G300000-G360000. These 980 movements were made in 1941, which is about right for a January 1942 inscription. Personally, I'd rather just keep the 982.
Has the grin slipped off your face yet? I'm guessing not. What a great watch, great story and great restoration. I suspect your Grandpa is smiling down too.
Many consider these vintage Hamiltons to be too small to wear. They typically want hockey puck size watches. It is a shame. Happily, that leaves more for the rest of us!
I have three. A Milton (982 movement), a Martin (980), and a Darrell (747). I've always wondered where the model names came from. They all keep amazingly accurate time, and can be serviced (not necessarily restored) for less than $100. Sometimes much less.
They look great as a dressy watch, and are typically considered among the best of American mechanical (hand wind) watches.
looks beautiful! congrats! and thanks for the pix!
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