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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Chronograph pocket watch

Hamilton Model 23 Two-Register Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an open-face Hamilton Model 23 pocket watch dated by the seller to circa the 1940s. The piece features a chrome-topped 16-size case with ribbed fluting along the bezel perimeter, a fluted crown, a rounded bow, and a plexiglas crystal. Its black dial displays Arabic numerals, an outer calibrated scale, leaf-style hands, and two subsidiary registers positioned vertically at 12 and 6 o'clock. The seller reports that the watch houses a 19-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement adjusted to temperature and three positions.

Hamilton Model 23 two-register chronograph pocket watch with black dial and chrome-topped case
Hamilton Model 23 two-register chronograph pocket watch with black dial and chrome-topped case — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Pocket watch · Chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton
Reference
Model 23
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws3363
Source-reported date
c.1940s
Country
Not established

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 Configuration

This is an open-face Hamilton Model 23 chronograph pocket watch, which the seller dates to circa the 1940s. The piece features a 16-size case with a chrome-topped finish.

The case features ribbed fluting along the bezel and perimeter, a fluted winding crown, and a rounded bow positioned at 12 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Model Ref Model 23”
  • “16-size”
  • “Case Chrome Topped”
  • “Ribbed fluting along the bezel and case perimeter.”
  • “Fluted winding crown with an arched bow mounted at 12 o'clock.”

Dial and Visual Features

The timepiece is equipped with a plexiglas crystal. The black dial displays the 'HAMILTON' brand signature in the center.

The watch face includes Arabic numerals, an outer calibrated scale, leaf-style hands, and two subsidiary registers positioned vertically at 12 and 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial Black”
  • “Crystal Plexiglas”
  • “Brand signature 'HAMILTON' printed across the center dial.”
  • “Two subsidiary counters arranged vertically at 12 and 6 o'clock.”

Movement and Specifications

The watch contains a 19-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement. The seller states the caliber is adjusted to temperature and three positions.

The seller notes that the watch does not feature military markings, which distinguishes it from other examples of the model type.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is a 19-jewel, 16-size watch adjusted to temperature and 3 positions.”
  • “A lot of these exact models were military issued during the second World War but alas this watch has no military markings.”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement serial number confirm production in the 1940s?
  • Are there factory records confirming the Model 23 architecture relative to the 992B movement mentioned by the seller?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Model 23 Two-Register Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model ReferenceModel 23“Model Ref Model 23”
CaseChrome Topped“Case Chrome Topped”
Dial ColorBlack“Dial Black”
CrystalPlexiglas“Crystal Plexiglas”
Jewels19“It is a 19-jewel, 16-size watch adjusted to temperature and 3 positions.”
Movement AdjustmentTemperature and 3 positions“adjusted to temperature and 3 positions”
Case ConditionChrome topped with base metal visible on case back“Chrome topped, there is some base metal peeping through on the caseback”

Visible details

  • Black dial with white Arabic numerals and an outer calibrated minute/seconds track.
  • Two subsidiary counters arranged vertically at 12 and 6 o'clock.
  • Ribbed fluting along the bezel and case perimeter.
  • Fluted winding crown with an arched bow mounted at 12 o'clock.
  • Brand signature 'HAMILTON' printed across the center dial.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and inner case back are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • The seller notes base metal visible on the case back and an absence of military markings despite the model type.

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

Consulted source

Hamilton Model 23 Pocket Watch - Two Reg Chronograph - c.1940s – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e38c701029

Terms in this record

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

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