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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face railroad pocket watch

Hamilton Model 992 16-Size Railroad Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Hamilton Model 992 open-face railroad grade pocket watch is sized at 16s and housed in a gold-toned case featuring decorative geometric engraving on the bezel and back outer rim. The white dial displays bold black Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, signed 'HAMILTON' beneath the 12 marker. The movement is reported by the auction house as a 21-jewel lever-set mechanism featuring a double roller and an Elinvar hairspring. Accompanied by a custom wooden presentation box and movement specification notes, the watch is listed in running order.

Front view of Hamilton Model 992 pocket watch dial and engraved bezel seated inside its custom presentation box
Front view of Hamilton Model 992 pocket watch dial and engraved bezel seated inside its custom presentation box — Brand Used Works. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face railroad pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton
Reference
Model 992
Catalogue / lot identifier
0020
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United States

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 Dial Configuration

The timepiece is an open-face, 16-size railroad-grade pocket watch designated as a Hamilton Model 992. The white dial features bold black Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.

The dial is signed 'HAMILTON' beneath the 12 o'clock marker. Manufacturing dates and serial numbers are not recorded in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “One Hamilton open-face railroad grade pocket watch, Model 992, size 16.”
  • “The timepiece features a white dial with bold black Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a sunken sub-seconds dial at the six o'clock position.”
  • “The dial is signed HAMILTON below the twelve.”

Case and Exterior Observations

The watch is housed in a gold-toned case featuring decorative geometric engraving around the bezel and on the outer rim of the case back. Reported condition issues include moderate wear, tarnishing, brassing on the crown and bow, and fine surface scratches on the case back.

The lot includes a custom wooden presentation box laser-engraved with a steam locomotive and promotional text.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gold-toned case exhibits decorative geometric engraving around the bezel and on the outer rim of the case back.”
  • “The gold-toned case exhibits moderate wear and tarnishing, with visible brassing on the crown and bow. There are fine surface scratches on the case back.”
  • “The lot includes a custom wooden presentation box laser-engraved with a steam locomotive and promotional text identifying Hamilton as The Rail Road Timekeeper of America.”

Movement and Condition

The internal mechanism is reported by the source as a 21-jewel, lever-set movement featuring a double roller and an Elinvar hairspring. A handwritten note regarding specifications is included with the lot.

According to the source, the watch is in running condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a 21-jewel, lever-set grade with a double roller and Elinvar hairspring.”
  • “A handwritten note providing movement specifications is included.”
  • “According to the included documentation, the watch is in running condition and keeps time.”

Open research questions

  • What is the serial number of the movement to verify production details?
  • What is the base metal beneath the 'gold-toned' finish?
  • Is the handwritten note regarding specifications contemporary to the watch or a later addition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Model 992 16-Size Railroad Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelModel 992“Model 992, size 16.”
Movement Grade and Jewels21 jewels, lever-set with double roller and Elinvar hairspring“The movement is a 21-jewel, lever-set grade with a double roller and Elinvar hairspring.”
Dial SignatureHAMILTON“The dial is signed HAMILTON below the twelve.”
Case DecorationGeometric engraving on bezel and case back rim“The gold-toned case exhibits decorative geometric engraving around the bezel and on the outer rim of the case back.”
Lot Number0020“Lot 0020”
Lot Identifier0020“Lot 0020”
Case MaterialGold-toned“The gold-toned case exhibits decorative geometric engraving”

Visible details

  • White dial with heavy black Arabic numerals and sunken subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Gold-toned case with relief geometric pattern along the bezel rim
  • Open wooden presentation box with black fitted interior insert

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not visible in the provided photograph; movement specifications are source-reported.
  • Serial number and specific manufacturing date are omitted from the source description.
  • The wooden presentation box is modern/custom rather than original Hamilton factory packaging.

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

Consulted source

Hamilton Model 992 16 Size 21 Jewel Railroad Pocket Watch With Presentation Box - Aug 15, 2026 | Brand Used Works In Tx

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 755a992a80

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face railroad pocket watch records