This Hamilton 936 just came back from an overhaul. Had to have the balance staff replaced as a pivot got bent. Now I’m running the watch to see how much time it’s gaining or losing over 24 hours. That is necessary to set the regulator correctly so that the watch will keep correct time. This watch was supposed to be a parts movement but my watchmaker forgot and restored it instead.
I’ve got a number of watches that need to go in for cleaning and servicing. I’m also going to get new mainsprings installed, since the watches have to be totally taken apart for cleaning anyways. Most of these watches probably have their original mainsprings, so they’re probably overdue for replacement.
This watch arrived in Friday’s mail. It’s an 18 size, 23 jewel Hampden “Special Railway” manufactured in 1911. It is in very fine condition. It has a jeweled mainspring barrel which is unusual-the plate with the manufacturer’s name is the mainspring plate. It has a raised gold jewel setting.
The case has a beautiful engine turned rear cover. Sadly, the scrappers are now buying up nice gold filled watch cases and melting them down for the gold content. The watch evidently did not see much use as there are no markings inside the case indicating servicing by watchmakers and the case doesn’t have any wear visible. The dial only has two very faint hairline cracks that are barely visible. Got it from a collector in Idaho for a reasonable asking price that was below retail.
