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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

Hamilton Model 22 US Navy Two-Day Chronometer Watch

Partially verified

This is a World War II US Navy two-day chronometer watch, Model 22, produced by Hamilton Watch Co. The timepiece features a 2.25-inch silvered dial with Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, and steel spade hands. It is mounted in brass gimbals within a three-part wooden marine box fitted with slide catches and an applied maker's plaque. According to the catalogue description, the movement back plate is engraved with military markings dating to 1942, specifying 21 jewels and adjustment to temperature and six positions, while the outer case is marked 1943.

Top-down view of the Hamilton Model 22 chronometer watch mounted in gimbals inside its opened wooden box
Top-down view of the Hamilton Model 22 chronometer watch mounted in gimbals inside its opened wooden box — Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
timed.sworder.co.uk
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Form
Two-day chronometer watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton Watch Co.
Reference
Model 22
Catalogue / lot identifier
55
Source-reported date
1942
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
2F15690

Maker profile: Hamilton Watch Company — history, key models and current watchmaking.

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

Description and Identification

The object is identified as a World War II US Navy two-day chronometer watch, Model 22, produced by the Hamilton Watch Co. It includes a serial number '2F15690' and is associated with the John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology.

The timepiece features a signed silvered dial with Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, and steel spade hands. It is housed in a three-part case equipped with slide catches and an applied metal signature plaque.

Evidence for this section
  • “A WWII US Navy two-day chronometer watch, 'Model 22', by Hamilton Watch Co.”
  • “and a serial number '2F15690'”
  • “Provenance: The John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology”
  • “signed silvered Arabic dial with subsidiary seconds, with steel spade hands”
  • “with three-part case, slide catches and applied metal signature plaque”

Technical Specifications and Markings

The dial has a diameter of 2.25 inches. The movement back plate is described as engraved with 'Hamilton Watch Co. Model 22-21 Jewels Adj. to temp & 6 Pos. Made in U.S.A. U.S. Navy-Bu. Ships-1942'.

The outer case is recorded as having the stamp '8811-1943'.

Evidence for this section
  • “2.25in dial”
  • “engraved on the back plate 'Hamilton Watch Co. Model 22-21 Jewels Adj. to temp & 6 Pos. Made in U.S.A. U.S. Navy-Bu. Ships-1942”
  • “the outer case stamped '8811-1943'”

Dimensions and Condition

The wooden housing measures 15.5cm wide, 15.5cm deep, and 15cm high. A metal lock escutcheon with an inserted key is positioned on the front of the box.

Condition reports state the item was 'Working when wound' at the time of assessment, with noted knocks and scratches to the case and brass watch case.

Evidence for this section
  • “case, 15.5cm wide, 15.5cm deep, 15cm high”
  • “A metal lock escutcheon with an inserted key is visible on the front of the wooden box.”
  • “Condition Report: Working when wound. Some knocks and scratches to the case, and brass watch case.”

Open research questions

  • What is the function and origin of the '8811' stamp on the outer case?
  • Does the serial number '2F15690' correspond to verified US Navy procurement records for Hamilton Model 22 chronometers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Model 22 US Navy Two-Day Chronometer Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelModel 22“A WWII US Navy two-day chronometer watch, 'Model 22', by Hamilton Watch Co.”
Serial Number2F15690“and a serial number '2F15690'”
Dial Diameter2.25 inches“2.25in dial”
Box Dimensions15.5cm wide, 15.5cm deep, 15cm high“case, 15.5cm wide, 15.5cm deep, 15cm high”
Dial DetailsSigned silvered Arabic dial with subsidiary seconds and steel spade hands“signed silvered Arabic dial with subsidiary seconds, with steel spade hands”
Lot ID55“LOT 55”

Visible details

  • The chronometer watch is suspended in a brass gimbal ring system within the lower compartment of the wooden box.
  • An instructional paper label regarding the safety setting device is affixed to the inside of the mid-tier lid.
  • A metal lock escutcheon with an inserted key is visible on the front of the wooden box.

Research qualifications

  • The movement mechanism and back plate engravings are not visible in the provided photographs.
  • Internal parts cannot be independently verified from the exterior images alone.

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

Consulted source

A WWII US Navy two-day chronometer watch, 'Model 22', by Hamilton Watch Co.,

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 5a5abc7386

Terms in this record

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

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