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There are moments in collecting when an item transcends its category. It ceases to be merely an object and becomes a story, a direct and tangible link to a bygone era. What you are looking at today is one of those rare moments. This is not simply a vintage pocket watch; it is a complete, undisturbed time capsule from the zenith of the American Roaring Twenties, preserved in a state that can only be described as breathtaking.
For your consideration is an exquisite, all-original 1927 Hamilton Grade 916 Gentleman's Dress Watch, presented as a complete, museum-quality set. This includes the watch itself, its original Hamilton presentation box, and—the true holy grail for collectors—its original, handwritten Certificate of Guarantee with a serial number that perfectly matches the movement within.
To find a watch of this vintage in such condition is a pleasure. To find it with its original box is uncommon. To find it with both its box and its original, matching-number papers is an event of profound rarity. This is the "trifecta" that collectors dream of, an unbroken chain of provenance stretching back nearly a century to the day it was first sold.
you're getting more than just a vintage timepiece; you're getting a time capsule. This is a museum-quality, complete set of a 1926 Hamilton 17-Jewel Pocket Watch, preserved with its original presentation box and sales certificate. This watch was not just purchased; it was a cherished gift, a marker of a significant moment in the life of a young Pennsylvanian destined for a distinguished career.
This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of American history with impeccable provenance.
The Watch: A Masterpiece of the Jazz Age
Crafted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by the legendary Hamilton Watch Company, this stunning Art Deco pocket watch is a testament to the quality that earned Hamilton the title "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy".
Brand: Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, PA
The Story: The Property of Morton V. V. White
What elevates this watch from a beautiful antique to a historical artifact is the story engraved on the inner cuvette (dust cover):
Morton V.V. White February 24 1926 From Father and Mother
This was not a simple off-the-shelf purchase. This was a profound gift of pride and affection. Our research has identified the owner, Morton V. V. White, as a prominent figure from Allentown, Pennsylvania. While this watch was given to him as a young man, he went on to become a leader in his field and community.
Decades later, Mr. White served as the Vice Chairman of the National Association of Insurance Agents, testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1958, he received the prestigious Woodworth Memorial Award, a top honor in the American insurance industry. He was also a dedicated community leader, serving as the Chairman of the Allentown Osteopathic Hospital Board.
This watch was there at the beginning of it all—a gift marking a key milestone, perhaps a coming-of-age, a graduation, or the start of a career that would become one of great distinction.
The Complete Set: A Collector's Dream
Finding a watch from this era is special. Finding one with its original box and papers is virtually unheard of. This auction includes:
The Timepiece: A Masterpiece of American Horology
At the heart of this set is the watch itself, a stunning example of Hamilton's artistry.
The Movement: The engine of this watch is the celebrated Hamilton Grade 916, a high-quality 17-jewel movement produced for only a few short years. A 17-jewel count signifies a "fully jeweled" timepiece, with hard ruby bearings at every critical point of friction, ensuring accuracy and a long service life. But Hamilton didn't stop there. As the certificate proudly attests, this movement was meticulously adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism, and 3 positions. This was a level of precision engineering typically reserved for the brand's famous railroad watches, guaranteeing that it would keep reliable time whether lying on a desk or hanging in a vest pocket. It is a testament to Hamilton's slogan, "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy," applied to a refined gentleman's dress piece
The Dial: The Art Deco dial is simply magnificent. The silvered surface features a mesmerizing, engine-turned (guilloché-style) pattern in the center, which catches the light beautifully. The applied Arabic numerals, likely solid gold, are crisp and stylized. The original, thermally blued steel "spade" hands provide a perfect, elegant contrast. The entire dial is in near-mint condition, free of the cracks and stains that so often plague watches of this age.
The Case & Crystal: The movement is housed in its original 12-size open-face case, which we believe to be 14K gold-filled. The condition is extraordinary, showing no signs of "brassing" or wear-through. The surfaces are bright and clean. The bow is tight, and the crown is sharp. The crystal is clear and unmarred, protecting the perfect dial beneath.
The Provenance: The Box and The Certificate
What elevates this from a beautiful watch to a world-class collectible is its completeness.
The Original Presentation Box: The watch rests in its original black leatherette box. The interior, lined with cream silk and rich, dark velvet, is perfectly fitted to the timepiece. The silk lid bears the proud Hamilton crest and logo. Its condition is remarkable for its age, a testament to the care with which this set was kept.
The Certificate of Guarantee: This is the centerpiece of the watch's story. It is not a copy, not a blank certificate, but the original, hand-filled document from the day of sale. The matching serial number, 3105123, creates an irrefutable link between paper and steel. This document transforms the watch from an anonymous object into a specific, historical artifact with a known identity from the moment it was created.
An Unrepeatable Opportunity
Vintage Hamilton pocket watches are available on the market. But they are almost invariably alone, separated from the packaging and papers that tell their story. This is a rare chance to acquire a complete, holistic piece of American history. It is an investment-grade collectible and would be the undisputed centerpiece of any serious horological collection. this isn't just a watch; you're getting the chance to become the next custodian of a perfectly preserved moment from the golden age of American watchmaking. Do not let this once-in-a-generation opportunity pass you by.
Technical Specifications:
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
_gsrx_vers_1836 (GS 10.1 (1836))
Condition: For parts or not working
| Brand | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Department | Men |
| Country of Origin | Switzerland |
READ DESCRIPTION FOR THIS WATCHES STORY. Requires basic cleaning & lubrication. Been in my closet since the early 1980s. It ran then. Originally owned by the Vice Chairman of the National Association of Insurance Agents, testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1958, he received the prestigious Woodworth Memorial Award, a top honor in the American insurance industry. He was also a dedicated community leader, serving as the Chairman of the Allentown Osteopathic Hospital Board.
Ships from the United States with tracking.
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