Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch

Hamilton 950B 16-size 23-jewel railroad pocket watch with original boxes

Partially verified

This open-face American railroad pocket watch was produced by the Hamilton Watch Co. circa 1953. According to the seller, the 16-size nickel bridge movement is a 23-jewel Grade 950B (serial S19831) featuring a lever escapement, micrometer regulator, gold jewel settings, and adjustments to temperature and six positions. The movement is cased in a Model A 10K gold-filled open-face case measuring 50 mm in diameter and 13 mm in depth, featuring a screw-off back and bezel. The double-sunk white paint-on-metal dial is signed 'Hamilton 23 Jewels Railway Special'. The piece is accompanied by its blue cardboard outer box and cream Bakelite flip-top box.

Hamilton 950B railroad pocket watch shown with its blue cardboard box and cream Bakelite flip-top case
Hamilton 950B railroad pocket watch shown with its blue cardboard box and cream Bakelite flip-top case — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton Watch Co.
Reference
950B
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.330 (AB-214165)
Source-reported date
circa 1953
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
S19831

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

Case and Visual Configuration

The watch is an open-face pocket watch measuring 50 mm in diameter and 13 mm in depth. In the accompanying photographs, the watch displays an arched bow at the 12 o'clock position holding a fluted winding crown, as well as milled bezel edges around the case perimeter. The vendor notes that the housing is a Model A 10K gold-filled case with a screw-off back and bezel, featuring a smooth plain finish on the back.

The dial is described in source text as a double-sunk white paint-on-metal dial, fitted beneath a mineral glass crystal. The dial displays bold black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position, and bears the signature 'Hamilton 23 Jewels Railway Special'. Setting is executed via a lever mechanism, and the piece is stem wound.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement comes in a model A, 10K Gold filled open face case, which has a screw off back and bezel.”
  • “The case has milled edges with a smooth plain finish on the back.”
  • “The watch measures 50mm x 13mm deep”
  • “The dial is signed “Hamilton 23 Jewels Railway Special””

Reported Movement Specifications

Movement specifications are drawn entirely from dealer statements, as the internal movement is concealed by the closed case back in visible imagery. The movement is reported as a 16-size, 23-jewel Grade 950B nickel bridge model 6 movement with serial number S19831, attributed by the seller to circa 1953.

The vendor states the caliber is inscribed 'Hamilton Watch Co, USA, Adj temp & 6 positions, 950B, 23 Jewels' and is jewelled to the mainspring. Additional movement characteristics reported by the seller include a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator, gold-capped escape wheel and lever, gold jewel settings, and an Elinvar Extra hairspring.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is an American Railroad pocket watch made by the Hamilton Watch co circa 1953”
  • “The movement is signed “Hamilton Watch Co, USA, Adj temp & 6 positions, 950B, 23 Jewels” S19831.”
  • “the high grade nickel bridge, model 6 movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator, gold capped escape wheel and lever and gold jewel settings.”
  • “however the 950B used an Elinvar Extra hairspring”

Packaging and Documentation Evidence

The pocket watch is accompanied by two storage cases shown in documentation images: an outer blue textured cardboard box stamped 'HAMILTON' and an inner cream-colored Bakelite flip-top box resembling a cigarette case. The vendor indicates the cardboard box contains an interior label marked with a serial number corresponding to the watch.

The Bakelite container features the Hamilton name on its lid and an applied crest on the front face. The seller notes minor fine abrasions on the case attributed to rubbing against the box lining during handling, as well as minor paint lines on the dial attributed to manufacture rather than post-production wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch comes with a blue cardboard Hamilton box. The box has the correct serial number for this watch and a label inside the box”
  • “The watch comes in a bakelite flip top cigarette style box. The box is signed Hamilton on the lid and has the crest on the front.”
  • “tine abrasions from the watch rubbing in and out of the lining on the box as it has been removed in and out.”
  • “a couple of lines coming through on the paint - not from wear but when produced.”

Open research questions

  • Does direct examination of the uncased movement confirm the serial number S19831 and the reported 6-position adjustment engravings?
  • Does the label inside the blue cardboard box list the movement serial number S19831 or an independent case/stock number?
  • What specific hallmarks, case reference numbers, or manufacturer stamps are struck on the inside of the Model A gold-filled case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton 950B 16-size 23-jewel railroad pocket watch with original boxes
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHamilton Watch Co.“This is an American Railroad pocket watch made by the Hamilton Watch co circa 1953”
Movement Inscription & GradeHamilton Watch Co, USA, Adj temp & 6 positions, 950B, 23 Jewels“The movement is signed “Hamilton Watch Co, USA, Adj temp & 6 positions, 950B, 23 Jewels””
Movement Serial NumberS19831“S19831”
Case SpecificationModel A, 10K Gold filled open face case“the movement comes in a model A, 10K Gold filled open face case”
Dimensions50mm x 13mm deep“The watch measures 50mm x 13mm deep”
Dial SignatureHamilton 23 Jewels Railway Special“The dial is signed “Hamilton 23 Jewels Railway Special””
Crystal MaterialMineral glass“The watch has a mineral glass”
Dial ConstructionDouble-sunk white paint on metal“the white paint on metal dial is double sunk.”

Visible details

  • Open-face pocket watch featuring bold black Arabic hour markers and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Fluted winding crown fitted within an arched bow at the 12 o'clock position.
  • Milled or notched bezel edge details around the case perimeter.
  • Accompanied by a blue textured cardboard box stamped 'HAMILTON' and a cream-coloured Bakelite flip-top presentation case with the Hamilton crest.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and inner case back inscriptions are obscured by the closed case and rely entirely on dealer statements.
  • Dealer claims of 'never been used' and '100% mint condition' represent unverified subjective condition assertions.

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

Consulted source

UNUSED 16s 23 Jewel Hamilton 950B Pocket watch. w/ ORIG BOXES c1953 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 446c0698b3

Terms in this record

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

Other railroad pocket watch records