Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Deck watch

Hamilton Model 22 Deck Watch with Deck Box

Partially verified

This is a Hamilton Model 22 chronometer deck watch dating to circa 1942, housed within its wooden deck box. The source reports a 35-size, 21-jewel three-quarter plate movement decorated with striped damascening, a micrometer regulator, a 54-hour mainspring, and a patented safety hand-setting mechanism. The dial exhibits Arabic numerals, a sub-seconds register, and an Up/Down power reserve indicator beneath the 12 o'clock position. The base metal case back is reported to bear U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships issue engravings. The wooden deck box features a circular viewing window and a metal instruction plate mounted to the lid.

Top-down view of the Hamilton Model 22 deck watch enclosed inside its wooden deck box
Top-down view of the Hamilton Model 22 deck watch enclosed inside its wooden deck box — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Deck watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton Watch Co.
Reference
Model 22
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.187 (AB-111718)
Source-reported date
c. 1942
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
2F10012

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 Provenance

The timepiece is identified as a Hamilton Model 22 deck watch. The source reports the object bears inscriptions associated with the U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships and the year 1942.

The case back engraving is reported as 'Bureau of Ships, U.S. Navy, N 4733-1942, Chronometer Watch.' The movement is recorded as signed 'Hamilton Watch Co, Model 22 – 21 Jewels, Adj to Temp & 6 Pos, Made in USA, US Navy – BU. SHIPS – 1942, 2F10012.'

Evidence for this section
  • “Hamilton Watch Co, Model 22 – 21 Jewels, Adj to Temp & 6 Pos, Made in USA, US Navy – BU. SHIPS – 1942, 2F10012”
  • “The case is engraved on the back “Bureau of Ships, U.S. Navy, N 4733-1942, Chronometer Watch””

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is described as a 35-size, three-quarter plate model featuring striped damascening, a micrometer regulator, and a 54-hour mainspring.

A patented safety hand-setting mechanism is incorporated, requiring the user to press a side-mounted pin while pulling the winder to adjust the hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “large 35 size ¾ plate movement is decorated with striped damascening and features a micrometer regulator.”
  • “The watch features a patent hand setting device. To set the hand press in the pin at the side and simultaneously pull the winder out.”

Dial and Housing

The silvered dial features Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an 'Up/Down' power reserve indicator located under the 12 o'clock position. The dial is marked 'Hamilton Lancaster, PA – USA.'

The watch is enclosed in a wooden deck box, which is lined with green felt and includes a circular glazed aperture. The box features a metal instruction plate on the exterior lid. It is noted that the plastic viewing window has yellowed with age, and the inner rim varnish has become sticky.

Evidence for this section
  • “silvered dial has a wind indicator function under the 12 and is signed “Hamilton Lancaster, PA – USA”.”
  • “The front glass however has turned yellow with age.”
  • “The inner rim has also been varnished which has gone a little sticky making the front cover harder to open than it should be”

Open research questions

  • Verify if the specific serial number 2F10012 corresponds to documented U.S. Navy Hamilton Model 22 production records.
  • Determine the impact of the noted yellowing of the plastic viewing window on the long-term preservation of the dial.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Model 22 Deck Watch with Deck Box
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement signatureHamilton Watch Co, Model 22 – 21 Jewels, Adj to Temp & 6 Pos, Made in USA, US Navy – BU. SHIPS – 1942, 2F10012“signed “Hamilton Watch Co, Model 22 – 21 Jewels, Adj to Temp & 6 Pos, Made in USA, US Navy – BU. SHIPS – 1942, 2F10012”
Case engravingBureau of Ships, U.S. Navy, N 4733-1942, Chronometer Watch“The case is engraved on the back “Bureau of Ships, U.S. Navy, N 4733-1942, Chronometer Watch””
Watch dimensions70mm wide x 21mm deep“The watch itself measures 70mm wide x 21nn deep.”
Box dimensions125mm wide x 150mm long x 53mm deep“The box measures 125mm wide x 150mm long x 53mm deep.”
Movement size35 size“large 35 size ¾ plate movement”
Watch dimensions70mm wide x 21mm deep“The watch itself measures 70mm wide x 21nn deep.”
Box dimensions125mm wide x 150mm long x 53mm deep“The box measures 125mm wide x 150mm long x 53mm deep.”

Visible details

  • The watch is enclosed inside a rectangular wooden deck box fitted with a glazed circular aperture showing the dial.
  • A rectangular metal instruction plaque is screwed to the upper exterior lid explaining the safety hand-setting mechanism.
  • The dial displays Arabic hour numerals, an Up/Down power reserve indicator beneath 12 o'clock, and a subsidiary seconds dial above 6 o'clock.
  • The dial is marked 'HAMILTON' and 'LANCASTER, PA., U.S.A.' in black lettering.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and case back are not visible in the photograph; movement specifications and serial number are based on dealer reporting.
  • The listing notes the box's circular viewing window has yellowed with age, giving the silvered dial a tinted appearance.

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

Consulted source

35s Model 22 Hamilton Deck watch w/ original box c1942 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record bc895ee38d

Terms in this record

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

Other deck watch records