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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Hamilton "950B" 16-size open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This Hamilton Watch Co. Model "950B" is a 16-size open-face pocket watch produced in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and dated by the source to circa 1950. The piece is housed in a yellow gold-filled case featuring a screw back and bezel with a bar over the crown. Its white double-sunk melamine dial exhibits bold Arabic numerals, inner 13-to-24 hour markers, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock with black steel spade and poker hands. According to auction catalog descriptions, the nickel movement carries 23 jewels and serial number S15870, adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and six positions.

Dial and front bezel view of the Hamilton 950B pocket watch
Dial and front bezel view of the Hamilton 950B pocket watch — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton Watch Co.
Reference
950B
Catalogue / lot identifier
267
Source-reported date
c1950
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
S15870

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 Visual Presentation

Visual observation shows a white dial bearing an outer track of black Arabic numerals from 1 through 12, paired with a concentric inner chapter of 13 through 24 hour markers. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, with the 18 hour numeral printed above its center, and 'HAMILTON' is signed beneath 12 o'clock.

The auction catalog describes the dial as an 'arabic numeral, double sunk melamine dial' with 'black steel spade and poker hands'. In terms of condition, the seller lists 'Fine abrasion and minor cracks' on the dial, along with an 'Acrylic crystal with minor scratches', encased by a gold-toned front bezel featuring a relief-patterned border.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial signed 'HAMILTON' beneath 12 o'clock”
  • “Outer chapter of black Arabic numerals 1 through 12, complemented by inner ring of 13 through 24 hour markers”
  • “arabic numeral, double sunk melamine dial”
  • “black steel spade and poker hands”
  • “Fine abrasion and minor cracks.”
  • “Acrylic crystal with minor scratches”

Case Characteristics and Condition Reports

The watch is housed in an open-face case described by the catalog as 'yellow gold filled, screw back and bezel, open face bar over crown case'. Visible inspection confirms a gold-toned front bezel and an ornate bow and bar positioned over the winding crown at the 12 o'clock position.

The catalog's condition report notes several physical defects on the case, including a 'Back with three shallow dents; Dings; Band with small flat at 9:00; Scratches on outer surface of case' as well as 'Inside of back with tool marks from dent removal; Gold filled with minor brassing' and a worn bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “yellow gold filled, screw back and bezel, open face bar over crown case”
  • “Ornate bow and bar positioned over the winding crown at 12 o'clock”
  • “Back with three shallow dents; Dings; Band with small flat at 9:00; Scratches on outer surface of case”
  • “Inside of back with tool marks from dent removal; Gold filled with minor brassing”
  • “Bow worn.”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided lot photograph, meaning all technical details rely directly on the catalog description. The listing identifies the movement as a Hamilton Watch Co. Model '950B' from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, bearing serial number S15870 and assigned an approximate date of circa 1950.

The seller describes the movement as a 16-size, 23-jewel 'damascened nickel plate movement with lever escapement, double roller and whiplash micrometric regulator', operating via stem wind and lever set and 'adjusted to 6 positions, temperature, and isochronism'. Mechanical condition is reported as 'Running order (winds, sets and ticks)', with noted plate scratches, winding wheel scratches, marred screw heads, and one replaced case screw.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, Penn., "950B", 16 size, 23 jewels, stem wind and lever set, adjusted to 6 positions, temperature, and isochronism”
  • “damascened nickel plate movement with lever escapement, double roller and whiplash micrometric regulator”
  • “serial #S15870, c1950”
  • “MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Running order (winds, sets and ticks)”
  • “Scattered, fine scratches on plate; A few more significant scratches on balance cock and barrel bridge; Fine scratches on winding wheels; Some screw heads with minor marring; One case screw replaced.”

Open research questions

  • What manufacturer hallmarks and case identification numbers are stamped inside the screw back?
  • Does direct examination of the plates for movement S15870 confirm the reported damaskeening and factory adjustment markings?
  • Where on the melamine dial are the reported minor cracks situated?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton "950B" 16-size open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and LocationHamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, Penn.“Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, Penn.”
Model950B“"950B"”
Size and Jewels16 size, 23 jewels“16 size, 23 jewels”
Movement Serial NumberS15870“serial #S15870”
Case DescriptionYellow gold filled, screw back and bezel, open face bar over crown case“yellow gold filled, screw back and bezel, open face bar over crown case”
Dial MaterialDouble sunk melamine dial“arabic numeral, double sunk melamine dial”
Escapement and RegulationLever escapement, double roller, and whiplash micrometric regulator“lever escapement, double roller and whiplash micrometric regulator”
Winding and SettingStem wind and lever set“stem wind and lever set”
Reported AdjustmentsAdjusted to 6 positions, temperature, and isochronism“adjusted to 6 positions, temperature, and isochronism”
CrystalAcrylic crystal“Acrylic crystal with minor scratches”

Visible details

  • White dial signed 'HAMILTON' beneath 12 o'clock
  • Outer chapter of black Arabic numerals 1 through 12, complemented by inner ring of 13 through 24 hour markers
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with 18 hour numeral printed above center
  • Gold-toned front bezel decorated with repeated relief patterned edge
  • Ornate bow and bar positioned over the winding crown at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Movement plates, case back, and interior inscriptions are not depicted in the provided photograph
  • Internal jewel count, adjustments, and condition details are derived entirely from source descriptions

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

Consulted source

A Hamilton 950B pocket watch sold at auction on 20th November | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4de330c112

Terms in this record

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

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