16s 21J Hamilton pocket watch with rare marked 970 dial c1907

This is an American pocket watch made by Hamilton which has a dial marked with 970 and also Hamilton 5. Pos. A marked dial of this example is quite rare and is only found among a small fraction of Grade 970 production. Watches found with this dial are among the last of the Grade 970 movements sold by Hamilton, these movements were "old" inventory that Hamilton had on hand and cleared out in 1917 and 1918 to A.N. Anderson of Minneapolis, Minnesota at a discounted rate of $14 apiece. A close review of the Hamilton factory ledger shows Anderson purchased 222 of the Grade 970 movements in 1917 and 1918, and it is very possible this 222 total is also the number of these marked dials that were produced. This particular serial number is listed in the ledger as having been finished on September 1st, 1906 but as having not been sold until over 11 years later with a December 4th, 1917 sale date to A.N. Anderson. 

This watch comes in a glass backed case. Going back a 100 years ago, salesmen from the watch companies would visit shops to show the latest models and rather house them in cases, where the back would have to be removed, they used these cases which had a snap on back with a glass back so the dial and movement were visible. Shops and prospective owners, would select the dial, movement and then the case they wanted for their watch.

Movement – the high quality nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator, gold jewel settings and gold train wheels. The movement is decorated with damascening and is signed “Hamilton Watch Co, Lancaster Pa, 21 Jewels, Adjusted” 348059. The movement is in 90% mint condition – a few light scratches and one case screw is missing

Case – the movement comes in a white metal display case or Sale’smans case, which has a snap on back and bezel. The case is signed “Hamilton” on the back and front bezel. The case has a smooth plain finish and is in 95% mint condition

Dial – the white enamel dial is double sunk and has a full set of blue steel hands. The dial is signed “970. Hamilton. 5 Pos” and is in 99% mint condition

The watch has a glass on the back and front.

The watch is stem wound / stem set

The watch measures 51mm wide x 16mm deep