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Hamilton Pocket Watches

American

In an era when the safety of America’s bustling railroads absolutely depended on accurate timepieces for its conductors, watchmaker Hamilton pioneered cutting-edge, impossibly precise watches in a complex that spanned one square city block of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the late 19th century.

As railroad tracks were laid across the United States and steam locomotives began traversing vast distances, the American railroad system ran into a problem. Back then, time was not standardized across the country. Therefore, in 1883, the railroad companies established the four time zones as we know them today. But, despite setting these zones, train conductors were not always synchronized, leading to deadly accidents on the railroads.

Enter watchmaker Hamilton, founded in 1892. Railway workers would be required to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule, and the watchmaking industry — and early American pocket-watch manufacturers such as Hamilton, Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company — benefitted.

Hamilton’s pocket watches were extremely alluring to train conductors, who began buying them en masse. The East Coast company’s timepieces eventually earned the moniker “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.”

Hamilton transitioned from pocket watches to wristwatches in 1914, as it supplied timepieces to American troops fighting in World War I. Wristwatches, naturally, were more convenient to wear and use in battle. The new style of watch was also appealing to aviators, and Hamilton aeronautical watches became all the rage among pilots, specifically those flying for the new U.S. Airmail service.

The general public’s interest in Hamilton watches grew rapidly in the 1920s. Legendary polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd timed his historic flights over glaciers and chunks of sea ice with a Hamilton pocket watch in the late 1920s, and a Hamilton timepiece used by Byrd during these expeditions went on display in 2018 at the National Watch & Clock Museum.

Hamilton’s Piping Rock watch, an Art Deco–inspired design that featured elegant Roman numerals set in black for the hour markers, made its debut in 1928 and was gifted to the New York Yankees to celebrate their World Series win that year. The model was also featured in the film Shanghai Express alongside the brand’s Flintridge watch, further expanding Hamilton’s popularity. (Hamilton watches can also be seen in the films The Frogmen, Blue Hawaii, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Men in Black.)

In the second half of the 20th century, Hamilton became well known for several innovations: It developed the first-ever battery-operated electric watch, the Ventura, in 1957, as well as the first-ever digital wristwatch, the Hamilton Pulsar Time Computer, in 1970. Three years later, superspy and watch enthusiast James Bond donned a Pulsar in Live and Let Die.

Today, the company is part of the Swatch Group, and its headquarters and production facilities relocated from Pennsylvania to Switzerland in 2003.

Find vintage Hamilton watches for sale on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Hamilton
Hamilton Gold Filled Pocket Watch, 21 jewels, Size 16
By Hamilton
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Hamilton Gold Filled Pocket Watch, 21 jewels, Size 16 Hamilton gold filled pocket watch with hunting case. Grade 971, Size 16, 3/4 plate , 21 jewels, 5 ...
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Gold Filled Open Faced Pocket Watch with Kiln Fired Dial from 1916
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled / Hand Engraved Case CIRCA / YEAR: 1916 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Dia...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

US Navy Mounted Hamilton Model 22 Bureau of Ships Chronometer
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
US Navy Mounted Hamilton Model 22 Bureau of Ships Chronometer - Manual winding; Chronometer. Brass case with inscription in the back " MTD Watch bureau of ships US Navy ( 74 mm ). W...
Category

20th Century American Hamilton Pocket Watches

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Enamel Dial Railroad Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1917 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMEN...
Category

1910s Swiss Modern Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Co. Railway Special Pocket Watch 1957
By Hamilton
Located in Towson, MD
One 10 karat yellow gold filled 16 size Hamilton Watch Co. Hamilton Railway Special open face pocket watch. The movement is manual wide, leve...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold-filled

Hamilton Double Roller 992e Pocket Watch 3262545 Case
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Hamilton Watch Company Elinvar Double Roller 992E with triple sunk porcelain dial. 21 Jewels 5 Adjusted Positions. Case Signed "Keystone base metal 3262545" Fine Pre-owned Hamilton W...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Hamilton Pocket Watches

Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Ref 993
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Hamilton Hunter Case pocket watch in 14k yellow gold with etched garden motif on the case. Triple sunk white dial with Arabic numerals and sub-seconds. 16 size case made by Dueber. P...
Category

1880s Antique Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Hamilton Pocket Watch 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref R3163
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Hamilton pocket watch in 14k yellow gold - model 923 manual wind movement with 23 jewels. The best of the best made in America. Arabic numerals w...
Category

1950s Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, PA, circa 1915
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a lovely antique yellow gold-filled Hamilton pocket watch made by the Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, PA circa 1915. Case#179832 Thi...
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Wartime Era Hamilton Railroad Grade US Military Steel Pocket Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Desirable collectable, Hamilton Model 4992B, GCT US WWII Military Pocket Watch. This interesting timepiece has an added display back to view the 22 jewel movement with adjusted six position in motion. As military issue, circa 1942, this American made watch by Hamilton Watch Co...
Category

1940s American Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Hamilton Brass Pocket Watch with Display Back
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy seeing the craftsmanship in this Hamilton 917 Brass Pocket Watch, expertly restored with a unique display back allowing the intricate parts of this ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Brass

Gents Hamilton Watch Co. Pocket Watch in 14k Yellow Gold, Manual W/ Subseconds
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Gents Hamilton Watch Co. pocket watch in 14k yellow gold. Manual w/ subseconds. Size of the case: 56mm Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch. Certified pre...
Category

20th Century Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Hamilton Open Face Gold Filled Antique Pocket Watch Grade 992E 21 Jewel
By Hamilton
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Hamilton Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial Gold Filled Case w/ No Design on Case ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Hamilton Pocket Watches

Antique Open Face Silver Hamilton Pocket Watch with Display
By Hamilton
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful Hamilton open face Pocket Watch - Manufacturer Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania -Movement Serial Number: 679688 - Mar 1, 191...
Category

1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Ladies 14kt White Gold 1.00cttw Diamond Hamilton Watch 1970's, Quartz, Warranty
By Hamilton
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Ladies 14kt white gold diamond Hamilton watch with 56 diamonds of approximately 1.00cttw that are G in color and VS/SI in clarity. Th...
Category

1970s American Artisan Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

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Antique Pocket Watch
Located in Geneva, CH
Pocket watch in gilded metal. Height: 6.80 centimeters. We do not guarantee the functioning of this watch.
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Early 20th Century Hamilton Pocket Watches

14K Yellow Gold Elgin Hunter Case Pocket Watch
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Late 19th Century American Antique Hamilton Pocket Watches

Hamilton Khaki Navy Sub Auto Chronograph H787160
By Hamilton
Located in Braintree, GB
Hamilton Khaki Navy Sub Auto Chronograph men's wristwatch. Reference Nr. H787160 Made in Switzerland. The watch features 30 minute counter at 3 o'clock, Date between 4 and 5, 12 hour counter at 6 o'clock and the sub-second dial is at 9 o'clock. Gender: Men Case Size: 42 mm ( Without a crown ) Dial colour: Grey with black and orange accents Movement: Automatic Unidirectional bezel Numerals: Arabic Watchband Material: Stainless steel Water resistant: 30 BAR/435 Psi Caliber : H - 31 Case material: Stainless Steel Display Type: Analogue Box / Papers: No Glass: Sapphire Crystal Weight: 239 grams Comes with a box. Condition: The watch is pre-owned, and in excellent working condition, please see pictures. History: Hamilton Watch Company was established in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Originally, the firm manufactured high-quality pocket timepieces, which were soon popular among American railroad employees owing to their precision and dependability. Hamilton Watch Company started manufacturing wristwatches for the United States military during World War I. This shifted the company's attention to wristwatch manufacture, and by the 1930s, Hamilton was producing some of the world's most popular and creative wristwatches. During WWII, Hamilton once again developed military timepieces, notably the famed "Marine Chronometer," which was utilised by US Navy navigators. Hamilton continued to develop after the war, creating the world's first electric watch in 1957 and the first digital watch in 1970. Hamilton has also been a popular brand among Hollywood filmmakers, with its timepieces featuring in various films such as "Interstellar," "The Martian," and "Men in Black." Hamilton is now a component of the Swatch Group, one of the world's major watch makers. Despite ownership changes and altering watch...
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Ladies Omega 12kt Gold Filled Watch Working 15 Jewel Fully Serviced Warranty
By Omega
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Beautiful 12kt white gold vintage ladies' Omega watch with a 16mm x 20mm x 8mm case. The face of the watch is silver, the band has a 26mm clasp, 2.25 inches on one side and 2 inches ...
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1920s Swiss Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

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TUDOR Chronometer Geneve Watch
By Tudor
Located in Cape Town, ZA
Exquisite GENDER: Unisex MOVEMENT: Automatic CASE MATERIAL: Steel DIAL: 44mm DIAL COLOUR: Gold STRAP: 44mm BRACELET MATERIAL: Leather CONDITION: 9/10 MODEL NUMBER: MT5612 SERIAL ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton Pocket Watches

Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, PA, circa 1915
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a lovely antique yellow gold-filled Hamilton pocket watch made by the Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, PA circa 1915. Case#179832 Thi...
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Early 20th Century American Edwardian Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Romanesque T, 1960
By Hamilton
Located in Sežana, SI
10K gold filled bezel, 770 movement The Romanesque T came in a 10K yellow gold filled case with a stainless steel back. The sterling silver dial on this Romanesque is a two tone d...
Category

1950s American Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Romanesque T, 1960
Hamilton Romanesque T, 1960
Free Shipping
H 1.46 in W 1.07 in
Hamilton Brass Pocket Watch with Display Back
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy seeing the craftsmanship in this Hamilton 917 Brass Pocket Watch, expertly restored with a unique display back allowing the intricate parts of this ...
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Mid-20th Century American Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Brass

Wartime Era Hamilton Railroad Grade US Military Steel Pocket Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Desirable collectable, Hamilton Model 4992B, GCT US WWII Military Pocket Watch. This interesting timepiece has an added display back to view the 22 jewel movement with adjusted six position in motion. As military issue, circa 1942, this American made watch by Hamilton Watch Co...
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1940s American Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

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Steel

Rockford Yellow Gold Box Hinge Hunter Case Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual winding. 14k yellow gold hunter case ornately engraved (apx. 45mm in diameter). White dial with Roman numerals; subseconds at 6 o'clock. Pre-owned with custom box, ca. late 18...
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20th Century Hamilton Pocket Watches

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14K Gold Pocket Hunter Watch by American Watch Co. Waltham, Chronograph Repeater
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Berlin, DE
Very rare complicated Pocket Hunter Watch by American Watch Co. Waltham. Chronograph and Repeater. Solid 14 Karat Gold Case. All three lids 14 Karat gol...
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19th Century American Antique Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Previously Available Items
Hamilton 925 Pocket Watch - Circa 1903
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Hamilton Pocket Watch Grade 925 - circa 1903 Serial Number 219198 / swing out nickel case Size 18S / 57.3mm Screw Set 17Jewels Fancy aci...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Hamilton Pocket Watches

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Other

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Enamel Dial Railroad Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1917 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMEN...
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Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Enamel Dial Railroad Pocket Watch 1940's
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Located in Long Beach, CA
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1940s Swiss Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Ladies 14kt White Gold 1.00cttw Diamond Hamilton Watch 1970's, Quartz, Warranty
By Hamilton
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
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1970s American Artisan Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

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Hamilton Hunter 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Ref 992
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Hamilton Hunter Case pocket watch in 14k yellow gold. Triple sunk white dial with bold Arabic numerals and sub-seconds. 16 size case with 51 mm diameter. Presentation engraving dated...
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1880s Antique Hamilton Pocket Watches

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Hamilton 10k Gold Filled Pocket Watch Pa 1257610
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Hamilton Watch Company 992 Elinvar in gold fill. 21 Jewels adjusted in 5 positions. Movement signed double roller. 50 mm case size or 16 size. Model #992. Case signed "Hamilton Watch Company 10k Gold Filled Lancaster PA 1257610" Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch. Certified preowned Classic Hamilton pocket watch...
Category

20th Century Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold-filled

Hamilton 10k Gold Filled Pocket Watch Pa 1257610
Hamilton 10k Gold Filled Pocket Watch Pa 1257610
Free Shipping
H 1.97 in W 1.97 in
Hamilton Steel Military Timer Open Faced Pocket Watch, circa 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Military Timer METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 52mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT The wrong train, on the wrong track, at the wrong time at the end of the 19th century frequently resulted in disastrous train wrecks. In response to the critical need for accuracy on the nation’s railroads, laws were passed in 1891 establishing set standards of accuracy. All engineers and railroad workers were required to purchase and maintain their watches to keep accurate time based on set standards, about 30 seconds per week was the tolerance. This was the inspiration for The Hamilton Watch Company which was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was started by a group of investors who were looking to create a high-quality, American-made watch...
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1940s American Modernist Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Ladies 14kt White Gold Diamond Hamilton Watch, 1970's, Quartz, Serviced, Warranty
By Hamilton
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Ladies 14kt white gold diamond Hamilton watch with 56 diamonds of approximately 1.00cttw that are G in color and VS/SI in clarity. Th...
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1970s American Artisan Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

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Hamilton Model 917 Vintage Pocket Watch with Display Back circa 1939
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Observe the mechanics of this circa 1939 ten karat yellow gold filled Hamilton Model 917 Men's Pocket Watch with skeleton display back. In watch size 10S, measuring approximately 1-3...
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1930s American Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Wartime Era Hamilton Watch Co. Railroad Grade Steel Skeleton Pocket Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Interesting vintage timepiece and considered by many as one of the most reliable railroad grade pocket watches for the period. Circa 1942, this American made pocket watch by Hamilton Watch Company is a hard to find, working wartime veteran piece. Its' unusual black dial and white Arabic numerals keep military time with a 24 hour clock...
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1940s American Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

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Steel

Hamilton 14 Karat White Gold Pocket Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
Hamilton 14K White Gold Pocket Watch - Manual. 14K White Gold ( 47 mm). White enamel dial with Roman numerals; seconds subdial at 6 o'clock . Pre-owned wi...
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20th Century American Hamilton Pocket Watches

Hamilton Railroad Style Brass Pocket Watch, circa 1925
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy owning this heirloom circa 1925 Hamilton Railroad Style Pocket Watch. Set in a brass case with gold plating, this fabulous size 16S American made piece is restored with a displ...
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1920s American Vintage Hamilton Pocket Watches

Materials

Brass

Hamilton pocket watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Hamilton pocket watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Hamilton jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Hamilton diamond pocket watches, from our inventory of 1, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 17 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider pocket watches by Tiffany & Co., American Waltham Watch Co., and Waltham Watch Company. Prices for Hamilton pocket watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $310 and tops out at $5,990, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $900.
Questions About Hamilton Pocket Watches
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Hamilton 992B Railroad Watch was first produced in November, 1940, nine years after design and research began. The 992B featured brand-new technologies and was made with gold, steel and gilt parts and the newly designed Elinvar Extra hairspring. The last Hamilton 992B was sold in 1969. Shop Hamilton 992B Railroad Watches from top sellers worldwide on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    George Romney is the artist who painted Lady Hamilton. He actually produced several Romantic portraits and drew many sketches of her, as he considered her to represent the ideal of feminine beauty. Later in his career, Romney produced a series of paintings inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. Shop a variety of George Romney art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Hamilton watches became Swiss in 2003 when the watchmaker moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Biel, Switzerland. While based in the U.S., the company produced watches for the winners of the 1928 World Series and was the official watch for the employees of four commercial airlines. Shop a variety of Hamilton watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    No, Hamilton is not widely considered a luxury watch brand. The revered Swiss manufacturer’s timepieces are known for their quality workmanship and high-end materials, but its watches typically retail at attainable price points compared to the likes of Cartier or Rolex. Shop a collection of Hamilton watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To open a Hamilton pocket watch, take it to a reputable watch repair shop. Experts advise against opening antique pocket watches on your own because special tools are necessary to avoid damaging the timepieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Hamilton pocket watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Hamilton's Railway Special pocket watch was launched in 1940 and remained in production for the next two decades. At the time, it was marketed as the most accurate railroad watch available. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Hamilton timepieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

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