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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch

Ball Hamilton 999P Official Railroad Grade Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an open-face American railroad pocket watch marketed by the Ball Watch Company using a 16-size Hamilton movement, dated to circa 1928 by the seller. According to the source, the timepiece features a nickel three-quarter plate movement with 21 jewels, adjusted to five positions, equipped with a micrometer regulator, lever escapement, and gold jewel settings. The movement is cased in a 10K gold-filled case by Boss with carved edges and Ball's patented stirrup bow. The white enamel dial is signed "BALL OFFICIAL RR STANDARD CLEVELAND" and features bold Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.

Dial and case front of the Ball Hamilton 999P railroad pocket watch
Dial and case front of the Ball Hamilton 999P railroad pocket watch — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Ball Watch Co. / Hamilton
Reference
999P
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.28 (AB-74483)
Source-reported date
c. 1928
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
B630498

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Configuration

This is an open-face railroad pocket watch, identified as a Ball Watch Company product utilizing a Hamilton movement. The timepiece is configured for stem winding and lever setting.

The watch is housed in a 10K gold-filled case by Boss. It features carved edges and a patented Ball stirrup bow over the winding crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “official American Railroad pocket watch made by the Ball Watch company using a Hamilton movement”
  • “The watch is stem wound / lever set”
  • “10K gold filled case by Boss”
  • “patent Ball stirrup bow”
  • “The case has carved edges”

Movement

The movement is a nickel three-quarter plate type, serial number B630498. The source reports it as a 21-jewel caliber, adjusted to five positions.

Technical features described include a lever escapement, micrometer regulator, gold-capped lever, gold jewel settings, and gold train wheels.

Evidence for this section
  • “high grade nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator, gold capped lever, gold jewel settings and gold train wheels”
  • “21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions”
  • “B630498”

Dial and Exterior

The watch features a white enamel dial signed 'Ball, Official RR Standard'. It is equipped with blued steel hands and a mineral glass crystal.

The case back is described as having a smooth, plain finish.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Ball, Official RR Standard””
  • “The watch has a mineral glass”
  • “a smooth plain finish on the back”

Open research questions

  • Does serial number B630498 correspond to specific Hamilton factory production records?
  • What is the formal manufacturing date range for Hamilton 999P movements?
  • Are there specific production records documenting Boss-cased Ball watches from this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ball Hamilton 999P Official Railroad Grade Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement SerialB630498“B630498”
Jewels and Adjustments21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions“21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions”
Case Specification10K gold filled case by Boss“10K gold filled case by Boss”
Dimensions49mm wide x 14mm deep“The watch measures 49mm wide x 14mm deep”
Winding and SettingStem wound / lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”

Visible details

  • Open-face pocket watch configuration with a distinctive stirrup bow over a fluted winding crown.
  • White enamel dial signed 'BALL OFFICIAL RR STANDARD CLEVELAND' beneath 12 o'clock.
  • Bold black Arabic hour numerals with heavy dots on the outer minute track.
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Engraved scrolled detailing along the case bezel perimeter.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and inner case back are not shown in the photograph; internal technical details rely entirely on source reporting.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

16s 21J Ball Hamilton 999P Official Railroad grade pocket watch c1928 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f2eb19fae2

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other railroad pocket watch records