How Hamilton Watch Co. Won World War II

[Utheman]

Very interesting article on how Hamilton Watch Co. supported the war effort in WWII

 

Article

[Ylfig]

@Utheman , interesting read. Thanks

[chronoluvvv]

That was really good to know

 

i wonder if we'll ever reach those levels of manufacturing again

[automatico]

"i wonder if we'll ever reach those levels of manufacturing again?"

 

If it was up to Roland Murphy, I would say Yes. But sadly it's not.

http://rgmwatches.com/about_rgm/

 

Here is another outfit making a run at it although with mostly imported parts:

http://www.shinola.com/shop/watches.html?series=159&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Brand+Brand+Bing#shinola=ftIkctbi2ma

[jpz5142]

Here is another outfit making a run at it although with mostly imported parts:

http://www.shinola.com/shop/watches.html?series=159&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Brand+Brand+Bing#shinola=ftIkctbi2ma

And here I thought Detroit learned you can't fleece people...

I'm sure it's a really nice watch, but I can't get over the prices. $1000 for a quartz mvmt that probably only cost $30?

[panerai153]

Sorry, another Tapatalk screw-up!!! Posted to the wrong thread.

[panerai153]

Very interesting article. Those chronometers are a work of art.

[Mike on a bike]

Well I shall add mine to this thread in honor of a great watch making tradition.

[elconquistador]

Here are mine. Actually from Lancaster, PA (except for the cases)

Edited December 10, 2013 by elconquistador

[automatico]

I have a well worn Hamilton 992 RR Special made in 1907 that still runs within 6 or 7 seconds a day. The original yellow gold filled case was worn out and has been recased in a 1960's Hamilton signed stainless steel case. There are quite a few old 992 still around that only needed a couple balance staffs (from being dropped) and mainsprings to go 75 or 100 years.

 

Railroad watch standards on most USA RR were plus or minus 15 seconds per day. At the beginning of each trip, the crew's watches all had to be set with the Chief Dispatcher's Standard Time Clock and during the entire trip they all had to be within 15 seconds of each other. All depots had a Standard Time Clock in them if they needed to check the time again for some reason.

If you had a train order that stated: "Train number 163, Engine 2144 be in the clear at Sanford Siding, mile post 125 by 1201am for train number 164, Engine 3256"...you better know exactly what time it is. 

...and be clear of the Main Line by 1201am.   

Or...

 

Train numbers for trains running south and west end in odd numbers.

Train numbers for trains running east and north end in even numbers.

 

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/1999/timetable-and-train-order-operation-primer/

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Utheman]

I have a well worn Hamilton 992 RR Special made in 1907 that still runs within 6 or 7 seconds a day. The original yellow gold filled case was worn out and has been recased in a 1960's Hamilton signed stainless steel case. There are quite a few old 992 still around that only needed a couple balance staffs (from being dropped) and mainsprings to go 75 or 100 years.

 

Railroad watch standards on most USA RR were plus or minus 15 seconds per day. At the beginning of each trip, the crew's watches all had to be set with the Chief Dispatcher's Standard Time Clock and during the entire trip they all had to be within 15 seconds of each other. All depots had a Standard Time Clock in them if they needed to check the time again for some reason.

If you had a train order that stated: "Train number 163, Engine 2144 be in the clear at Sanford Siding, mile post 125 by 1201am for train number 164, Engine 3256"...you better know exactly what time it is. 

...and be clear of the Main Line by 1201am.   

Or...

 

Train numbers for trains running south and west end in odd numbers.

Train numbers for trains running east and north end in even numbers.

 

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/1999/timetable-and-train-order-operation-primer/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should post some pictures.  I have a 992L from 1927 which keeps great time also.  I posted about it way back in 2009.  An American Railroad Watch

[fraggle42]

Utheman it's hard to believe that watch is from the early 1900s, it's as near as damn it brand new!

Gorgeous condition and gorgeous watch.

I bet you're proud to have that one.

[Utheman]

Thanks Frag,

I'm proud to own and care for them and look fwd to handing them down to children and grandchildren when the time comes.