Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Hamilton Model 916 Open-Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-faced pocket watch is a product of the Hamilton Watch Company, manufactured in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, around 1930. The timepiece features a heavy, solid 14k gold case decorated with delicate engravings along the bezel. The silver-toned dial displays black Arabic numerals and Gothic-style hands, with a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock. The internal mechanism is the Hamilton Model 916 movement, containing 17 jewels set in gold jewel cups. According to provided documentation, the movement is adjusted to three positions. The case back is engraved with two monogram initials. All technical specifications are derived from the accompanying source materials provided for this catalogue record.

Front view of the Hamilton Model 916 open-faced pocket watch showing the dial, hands, and subsidiary seconds.
Front view of the Hamilton Model 916 open-faced pocket watch showing the dial, hands, and subsidiary seconds. — Ashton-Blakey Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1930
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
3116290

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

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in an open-faced case fabricated from 14k solid gold. The exterior periphery of the case features fine decorative engraving and milling work. The case back incorporates a personal monogram consisting of two initials. The crown and bow are similarly patterned to match the case rim.

The dial is silver-toned with a light background, featuring black Arabic numerals and Gothic-style hands. A dedicated subsidiary seconds dial is located at the six o'clock position, surrounded by a minute track calibrated for sixty seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب این ساعت از طلای سنگین و توپر ۱۴ عیار ساخته شده”
  • “دور تا دور لبه‌های قاب دارای قلم‌زنی و تراش‌کاری‌های ظریف تزئینی بوده”
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس نقره با پس‌زمینه روشن”
  • “در موقعیت ساعت ۶، یک زیرصفحه ثانیه‌شمار اختصاصی تعبیه شده”

Movement and Construction

The timepiece is powered by the Hamilton Model 916 mechanical movement. This caliber incorporates 17 jewels, with the settings featuring gold jewel cups. The movement is finished with Geneva stripes across the bridge plates and is documented as being adjusted to three positions.

Manufactured at the company's facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the movement bears inscriptions identifying the maker and its American origin. The design is noted for its relative thinness and the quality of its finish, consistent with production standards of the 1930s.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور مکانیکی این ساعت مدل 916 کمپانی Hamilton است که مجهز به ۱۷ سنگ جواهری قیمتی می‌باشد”
  • “این مکانیزم دارای نگه‌دارنده‌های سنگ از جنس طلا (Gold jewel cups) بوده”
  • “تنظیمات حرکتی آن در ۳ وضعیت (3 Adjustments) کالیبره شده است”
  • “بر روی پل‌های موتور حکاکی‌های نام سازنده در لنکستر پنسیلوانیا و عبارت ساخت ایالات متحده به چشم می‌خورد”

History and Attribution

Hamilton Watch Company was an American manufacturer known for its luxury pocket watches and railroad-grade timekeepers. The Model 916 caliber represents a series of movements that were significant in the company's output during the 1920s and 1930s.

Attributed to circa 1930, this watch is described as a classic formal piece intended for the men's market of the era. The documentation provided is based on records from the source, and no independent authentication has been performed on the physical object.

Evidence for this section
  • “کمپانی ساعت‌سازی Hamilton در لنکستر، پنسیلوانیا، یکی از نامدارترین تولیدکنندگان ساعت در تاریخ صنعت آمریکا به شمار می‌رود”
  • “در حدود سال ۱۹۳۰ میلادی تولید شده است”
  • “مدل‌های مجهز به کالیبر 916 به دلیل باریکی نسبی و پرداخت‌های باکیفیت موتور، از ساعت‌های جیبی پرطرفدار و معتبر این برند در دهه ۱۹۲۰ و ۱۹۳۰ بودند”

Open research questions

  • What are the full names represented by the two-letter monogram on the case back?
  • Can the movement serial number 3116290 be linked to a specific production batch or date in Hamilton company registers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Model 916 Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHamilton“کمپانی آمریکایی Hamilton”
Model916“مدل 916”
Case Material14K Solid Gold“طلای سنگین و توپر ۱۴ عیار”
Jewel Count17“۱۷ سنگ جواهری قیمتی”
Movement Adjustments3 Adjustments“تنظیمات حرکتی آن در ۳ وضعیت (3 Adjustments) کالیبره شده است.”
Movement OriginLancaster, Pennsylvania“نام سازنده در لنکستر پنسیلوانیا”

Visible details

  • Engraved decoration on the case bezel and bow
  • Monogram initials engraved on the outer case back
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position
  • Geneva stripes (fausses côtes) visible on the movement plates

Research qualifications

  • The exact manufacturing date is an estimate
  • The gold content is identified by source and stamp but not independently verified

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی مردانه اوپن‌فیس Hamilton از طلای ۱۴ عیار مدل 916

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 90a37f34cf

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records