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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Deck watch

Hamilton Model 3992B Deck Watch

Partially verified

This Hamilton open-face deck watch features a damascened nickel movement marked calibre 3992 B with 22 jewels, adjusted for temperature and six positions. The movement carries serial number 3C2483, whereas the case back and associated mahogany box are engraved with British Hydrographic Department serial number 2058. The source describes a white enamel dial with vertical Arabic numerals, a 13-to-24 inner hour track, outer five-minute markings, and blackened steel spade hands with centre seconds. The movement incorporates a centre seconds drive off the third wheel, a lever escapement, and a Hamilton Elinvar Extra balance spring with a fine rating index.

Three-quarter view of the uncased Hamilton calibre 3992B movement showing bridges, balance assembly, and winding train
Three-quarter view of the uncased Hamilton calibre 3992B movement showing bridges, balance assembly, and winding train — National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rmg.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Deck watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton Watch Co
Reference
3992 B
Catalogue / lot identifier
ZBA7925
Source-reported date
circa 1942
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
3C2483

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

Construction and Housing

The watch is housed in an open-face, chromium-plated nickel case featuring a flat, shaped bow and a winding/setting crown integrated into a wide pendant. Pulling the winding button activates a stop-work mechanism and enables hand-setting.

A convex, unbreakable glass is secured by a knurled, screw-down bezel. The nickel case back is machine-engraved with 'H.S. 3' and '2058'. The interior of the case back is stamped 'STAR WATCH CASE CO.', 'BASE METAL', and the assembly number 'P648017'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The chromium-plated nickel, open-face case has the winding/setting crown inset into a wide pendant, with a flat, shaped bow.”
  • “Pulling out the winding button stops the watch (light spring against the balance) and engages the handset facility.”
  • “The nickel, screw-down back is machine engraved on the back 'H.S. 3 / ­ / 2058'.”
  • “The inside of the back is stamped with the case manufacturer's mark 'STAR WATCH CASE CO.', a star, 'BASE METAL' and 'P648017'.”

Movement Technical Specification

The watch utilizes a Hamilton calibre 3992 B movement, which is a damascened, nickel-plated, barred caliber with a going barrel. The movement features 22 jewels with red stones in press-in brass settings and a centre seconds drive off the third wheel.

The escapement is a double-roller, jewelled, club-tooth lever type. The uncut balance is equipped with 20 brass screws and a 'Hamilton Elinvar Extra' flat spiral balance spring with an overcoil. Fine adjustment is managed via a polished steel index on the balance cock, marked with 'F' and 'S'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The going barrel, barred movement is of bright, damascened, nickel”
  • “There is a four-wheel train with a centre seconds drive off the third wheel and a going barrel.”
  • “The train is jewelled to the centre (22 jewels in total) with red stones in brass press-in settings.”
  • “The flat spiral, 'Hamilton Elinvar Extra' balance spring, with over coil, has an index mounted on the upper surface of the balance cock.”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is contained in a mahogany deck box featuring a circular glazed 'porthole' on the lid. The box is lined with imitation leather and contains a black-painted aluminium label identifying the watch as 'Stores Ref. H.S.527-3637' with the serial number '2058'.

The movement serial number (3C2483) does not match the case and box serial number (2058). The source suggests this discrepancy likely arose from the interchangeability of Hamilton movements during military workshop overhauls.

Evidence for this section
  • “contains a black-painted aluminium label, marked in silver 'MINISTRY OF DEFENCE / HYDROGRAPHIC DEPT. / WATCH DECK / Stores Ref. H.S.527-3637 / Serial No. 2058'.”
  • “The fact that the movement is serial number 2483 is almost certainly as a result of movements (all interchangeable with Hamilton material) becoming switched during overhauls at the MoD workshops.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the number '26' penned on the front of the mahogany box?
  • Are there records of H.S. 3 / 2058 in the British Hydrographic Department archives to verify its service history?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Model 3992B Deck Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Calibre3992 B“The escape/fourth wheel bridge is marked '3992 B / 22 JEWELS / U.S. GOVT.'”
Movement Serial Number3C2483“It is also marked on the main plate, by the balance cock foot '3C2483'.”
Case MarkingH.S. 3 / 2058“The nickel, screw-down back is machine engraved on the back 'H.S. 3 / ­ / 2058'.”
Dial InscriptionHAMILTON“A white enamel dial of 43 mm Æ is signed 'HAMILTON' above the centre.”
Case MakerStar Watch Case Co.“The inside of the back is stamped with the case manufacturer's mark 'STAR WATCH CASE CO.', a star, 'BASE METAL' and 'P648017'.”
Dial FeaturesWhite enamel, 43 mm diameter“A white enamel dial of 43 mm Æ is signed 'HAMILTON' above the centre.”
Approximate Datingcirca 1942“Date made: circa 1942”

Visible details

  • Damascened nickel bridge plates with black-filled engravings and brass train wheels
  • Balance cock fitted with a fine adjustment micrometer regulator marked with F and S
  • Open-face chromium-plated nickel case with shaped bow and fluted winding crown

Research qualifications

  • The movement serial number (3C2483) does not match the case and box serial number (2058), noted by the source as likely due to MoD workshop overhauls
  • The dial and case back interior are not visible in the provided photograph

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

Consulted source

2058 | Royal Museums Greenwich

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 6bb14942b0

Terms in this record

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

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