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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Navigator's watch

Hamilton 4992B Navigator's Watch

Partially verified

This Hamilton 4992B pocket watch, identified by the San Diego Air & Space Museum as a "Navigator's Watch," dates to 1942. It is an open-face timepiece constructed with a 22-jewel movement and features a distinctive 24-hour dial. The watch was produced by the Hamilton Watch Company and is designed with a central seconds hand to assist aviators in navigation. The case is inscribed with military-specification details, including the designation AN 5740 and a specific contract number. The dial exhibits arabic numerals arranged in a 24-hour format, along with the letters "G.C.T." indicating Greenwich Civil Time functionality. The object is catalogued in the museum's collection under the number 062525.FIC.003.

Front view of the Hamilton 4992B Navigator's Watch showing the 24-hour black dial and central seconds hand.
Front view of the Hamilton 4992B Navigator's Watch showing the 24-hour black dial and central seconds hand. — San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
commons.wikimedia.org
Category
Pocket watch · Navigator's watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton Watch Co.
Reference
4992B
Catalogue / lot identifier
062525.FIC.003
Source-reported date
1942
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
AF-42-33996

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

Dial and Functionality

The watch features a high-contrast black dial formatted for 24-hour timekeeping. Arabic numerals are positioned in a circular arrangement, with the letters "G.C.T." printed above the center, denoting Greenwich Civil Time. The dial includes a central seconds hand, a requirement for navigational precision in aerial applications.

This configuration is identified by the source as a "Navigator's Watch," specifically intended to assist aviators during flight.

Evidence for this section
  • “Central Second, 24 Hour Dial, Open face with arabic numerals”
  • “The 4992B is known as a "Navigator's Watch" as it was used by aviators to aid in navigation.”

Case and Military Markings

The watch is housed in an open-face case. The back of the case features engraved technical information related to its military procurement. This includes the designation AN 5740 and the manufacturer's part number 49992B.

The case back also displays the individual serial number AF-42-33996 and the government contract number W535 ac-28072. These markings associate the watch with the Hamilton Watch Company and formal military supply chains of the era.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver case enscribed on back with: "AN 5740, MFRS PART No. 49992B, Serial No. AF-42-33996, Contract No. W535 ac-28072, Hamilton Watch Co.”

Collection and Provenance

The object is held in the collection of the San Diego Air & Space Museum under the accession number 062525.FIC.003. The documentation provided confirms the item's identity as a Hamilton 4992B Navigator's Watch manufactured in 1942.

The archive record indicates that the object is part of their curatorial collection. The metadata and source text provided by the museum serve as the primary descriptive record for the watch within this archival context.

Evidence for this section
  • “Object Number: 062525.FIC.003”
  • “Hamilton 4992B, 22 Jewels "Navigator's Watch"; Date: 1942”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific composition of the case material described as silver?
  • Are there secondary movement serial numbers located on the plate under the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton 4992B Navigator's Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHamilton Watch Co.“Hamilton Watch Co.”
Movement22 Jewels“22 Jewels”
Model4992B“Hamilton 4992B”
Serial NumberAF-42-33996“Serial No. AF-42-33996”
Case InscriptionAN 5740“AN 5740”
Contract NumberW535 ac-28072“Contract No. W535 ac-28072”
Collection ID062525.FIC.003“062525.FIC.003”

Visible details

  • Black dial with 24-hour numbering
  • Center seconds hand
  • Large bow for suspension
  • Arabic numerals on the outer dial track

Research qualifications

  • The exact silver content of the case is not verified
  • Historical usage by specific aviators is not documented

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

Consulted source

Hamilton 4992B Navigator's Watch open-face pocket watch, 1942

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4ff710bc99

Terms in this record

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