Initial production at Hamilton started in late 1893 with four models. These early models were the 17Jewel grades 936 and 937 and the 16 Jewel grades 932 and 933. As with the majority of 18 size Hamilton’s, these first watches were all 18 size, full plate watches with nickel finish. The even numbered grades indicated open face configuration, while odd numbered grades were given to the corresponding hunting case configuration. The first batches of these four models randomly went into finishing in November, 1893 with the first shipments commencing in late November and early December of that same year. The earliest of these watches can be distinguished by a unique regulator design that incorporated the regulator spring on the underside of the balance cock. This design was quickly changed to a more conventional design and only a very small number of watches were actually shipped with the early style regulator.

Early Watches

Initial production at Hamilton started in late 1893 with four models. These early models were the 17Jewel grades 936 and 937 and the 16 Jewel grades 932 and 933. As with the majority of 18 size Hamilton’s, these first watches were all 18 size, full plate watches with nickel finish. The even numbered grades indicated open face configuration, while odd numbered grades were given to the corresponding hunting case configuration.

The first batches of these four models randomly went into finishing in November, 1893 with the first shipments commencing in late November and early December of that same year. The earliest of these watches can be distinguished by a unique regulator design that incorporated the regulator spring on the underside of the balance cock. This design was quickly changed to a more conventional design and only a very small number of watches were actually shipped with the early style regulator.

The above Grade 936 is Hamilton Serial Number 1. Although serialized as the first watch, it was not recorded as being received into finishing until April 1896, nearly 2.5 years after the initial shipment. The watch was never put into inventory or sold. Note the later regulator design associated with watches which were finished or sold after January 1894.

Serial Number 3, which is also a Grade 936 was sent to finishing on November 25, 1893 and shipped on December 9, 1893. In contrast to Serial Number 1, it does have the earlier regulator design associated with watches shipped prior to January 1894. In addition to the early serial number and design features, this watch is particularly interesting in that it was returned to Hamilton in September of 1926 and subsequently resold to Henry Ford in January 1927.

American Horologe Collection

Photo by John Cote

Photo by John Cote

American Horologe Collection

Photo by John Cote

Serial Number 25, is a Grade 932 which also has the earlier regulator design associated with watches shipped prior to January 1894. It is estimated that only 58 watches left the factory with this regulator design. 12 of these 58 were later returned and resold, most likely with updated regulators. As with serial number 3, this watch was sent to finishing on November 25, 1893 and shipped on December 9, 1893.

Photograph showing early regulator design on underside of balance cock on serial number 25.

Serial Number 1003, is a Grade 937 which like #3 and #25 also has the early regulator design. Factory ledgers indicate that this watch was sent to finishing on December 8, 1893 and shipped on December 9, 1893.

Sometime around 1896, Hamilton found itself sitting on an inventory of early Grade 936 and Grade 937 movements which had never been sold or which had been returned. To move this inventory, Hamilton renumbered these watches by adding 30,000 to the serial number. Serial Number 30736 is an example of a Grade 936 that has been renumbered. This watch was originally sent to finishing on April 27, 1894, but was not shipped until December 16, 1897. It is estimated that less than 150 of these Grade 936 movements were renumbered.

Serial Number 31185, is a Grade 937 that has also been renumbered. This watch was originally sent to finishing as serial number 1185 on March 26, 1894 but was not shipped until more than 3 years later on October 19, 1897. Interestingly, this watch was subsequently returned to Hamilton on November 19, 1897 and reshipped for a second time on December 16, 1897. It is estimated that between 120 and 150 Grade 937 movements were renumbered.