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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch

Hamilton 992B Railway Special open-face pocket watch

Partially verified

This is a 1956-dated Hamilton Grade 992B Railway Special open-face pocket watch housed in a Keystone base metal case. According to the source, the timepiece contains a 16-size, 21-jewel mechanical movement bearing serial number C430550, noted to be adjusted to temperature and six positions. The white dial is marked 'Hamilton / Railway Special' and features bold black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, spade hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. An engine-turned patterned bezel surrounds the dial, complemented by a ribbed winding crown and a decorative scroll-accented bow.

Front view of the open-face Hamilton Railway Special pocket watch showing dial, patterned bezel, and decorative bow
Front view of the open-face Hamilton Railway Special pocket watch showing dial, patterned bezel, and decorative bow — Sphere Auctions LLC. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton
Reference
Grade 992B
Catalogue / lot identifier
0496
Source-reported date
1956
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
C430550

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 Exterior Observations

The watch features a white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed 'Hamilton / Railway Special.'

The exterior comprises an open-face configuration with an engine-turned patterned bezel. The assembly includes a ribbed winding crown and an articulated bow featuring scroll-engraved detailing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is white with bold black Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, and crisp "Hamilton / Railway Special" text”
  • “The case is a Keystone-stamped base metal open-face model with an ornate engine-turned bezel, plain brushed back cover, and decorative scroll bow”

Case Construction

The watch is housed in a Keystone-stamped base metal case. The interior dust cover features an identifying mark indicating its material composition and a serial number.

The case back is described as a plain brushed surface. It is reported to be free of dents or significant deformation.

Evidence for this section
  • “confirmed base metal per the inner dust cover stamp reading "KEYSTONE / BASE METAL / 396031."”
  • “plain brushed back cover”
  • “the case retains its original form without dents or significant deformation”

Movement Specifications

The movement is identified as a Hamilton Grade 992B, a 16-size, 21-jewel mechanism. The movement is reported to be adjusted to temperature and six positions, with these details engraved on the plate.

Serial number C430550 is associated with the 1956 production year. Performance metrics provided by the seller include a +1 second per day rate and 268-degree amplitude.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is a Hamilton Grade 992B”
  • “a 21-jewel, 16-size movement adjusted to temperature and 6 positions”
  • “Serial number C430550 dates production to 1956”
  • “"ADJ. TO TEMP. AND 6 POSITIONS" engraved directly on the plate”
  • “Timegrapher testing confirms outstanding performance: +1 second per day rate, 268-degree amplitude”

Open research questions

  • Verify if serial number C430550 aligns with 1956 production records for Hamilton Grade 992B.
  • Confirm if the number 396031 on the Keystone dust cover refers to a serial number or a case model designation.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton 992B Railway Special open-face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Grade992B“This is a Hamilton Grade 992B”
Serial NumberC430550“Serial number C430550 dates production to 1956”
Jewel Count21 jewels“a 21-jewel, 16-size movement adjusted to temperature and 6 positions”
Case Maker and MaterialKeystone Base Metal“inner dust cover stamp reading "KEYSTONE / BASE METAL / 396031."”
Production Run18th run“placing this in the 18th production run of the 992B series”
Movement FinishingNickel damaskeening“The movement plate is beautifully finished with Hamilton's characteristic nickel damaskeening and gold jewel settings”

Visible details

  • White dial with bold black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock
  • Dial signed 'HAMILTON / RAILWAY SPECIAL' with spade hands and outer minute track
  • Engine-turned patterned open-face bezel with ribbed outer edge
  • Articulated bow with geometric, scroll-engraved detailing around the ribbed crown

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not visible in the provided photograph; movement details and serial number are source-reported
  • Running condition and timegrapher test metrics are seller-reported

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

Consulted source

1956 Hamilton 992b Railway Special 21 Jewel Railroad Grade Pocket Watch 16s Base Metal Case Runs - Jun 25, 2026 | Sphere Auctions Llc In Wi

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 178db5d744

Terms in this record

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

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