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How to Identify Hamilton Watch Movement

In 1892 the Hamilton Watch Co. began making watches in Lancaster, PA. The watches, known for their quality and reliability, became popular tools for railroad employees because they cut down the number of accidents that occurred due to timing issues. The Hamilton Watch Co. went on to become a supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces. This led the company to quit supplying watches for the public during World War II so it could focus entirely on providing military personnel with timepieces. Today the Hamilton brand is owned by a major Swiss company, the Swatch Group, which still produces Hamilton watches.

Things You'll Need

Pocket knife
Magnifying glass
Pen
Paper
Hamilton serial number chart
Hamilton grade chart

Instructions

- 1
  Use a pocket knife to gently pry open the back of the watch. For a pocket watch, open the dust cover and find a small notch on the next plate. Fit the tip of your knife into it and gently pry it open. The metal will be soft so if you have any problem getting it off, take it to a local jeweler for help.
- 2
  Find the Hamilton name engraved on the workings of the watch. This is the interior area where the gears are. You may need a magnifying glass to clearly read the writing.
- 3
  Write any letters and numbers on a piece of paper. Keep them in groups exactly as you find them. One of the groupings will be the serial number. Another grouping will be a three digit grade that tells how much work was involved in making the piece.
- 4
  Compare the information you wrote down to charts of Hamilton watch serial numbers and grades. This will tell you the year the watch was made.

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