HAMILTON 22 CHRONOMETER IN  GIMBALED CASE

CASE DIMENSIONS:   M 22 6″ square  x 4″ H                     WEIGHT: 4 lbs 11 oz

Carrying case 8 1/4 square x 7 3/4″ H
Total weight 10 lbs. 6 oz.

Presented is a post WW II HAMILTON Model 22 Deck Chronometer Watch  and its original carrying case. These cases rarely
accompany an M 22 clock and make this something special.  At the end of World War II, numerous clocks were declared
surplus at the end and sold at government sales to collectors and jewelry stores which were eager to purchase these elegant
and high quality time pieces. Recognizing a continuing demand, Hamilton reissued this model clock without the military
stamping on the bottom of the case, but used movements that they had left over from the War with the Navy Bureau of Ship stamp.
In the days before quartz movements, jewelry stores had these clocks on display in their windows so passers by could check
the time. This is one of these versions, but it is still  prized as a memento of the War and for the amazing accuracy
of its mechanical movement and the prized carrying case.

This Hamilton Model 22 was first sold after WW II Marked U.S. Navy
Bureau of Ships 1942

CONDITION: The 12 hour dial is in fine condition and looks as new. It then reads HAMILTON LANCASTER, PA., U.S.A. 48 hour Up/Down Indicator
at top, Seconds Bit Under. Inside, the movement is engraved with the Model 22 specifications and U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships
1942. To the right of the balance wheel is F16 F19155, which is the movements serial number. The clock is running slightly
fast when compared to a quartz wrist watch set to Atomic time. The
clock is housed in its traditional Navy three section varnished wood case with full gimbal mounts. There are two tiny
spots of thinning varnish on the top cover at the front which are only noticeable close-up. The carrying case has
been refinished. The green felt is as new. There is a 1/8 inch Age gap in between the two pieces of wood that makes up
its base which is of no consequence.  The leather strap shows lots of use so this must have been a working clock, likely
at sea. It is in excellent condition with only superficial marks of handling. Most of the original lacquer remains but
has darkened with age, leaving a nice natural patina.

Carrying case and the M 22 gimbaled case This Model 22 is a fine running clock which should appeal to those seeking
a historic chronometer of the WW II and

SPECIFICATIONS:
The Hamilton Model 22 is a legendary watch, hurriedly designed when the USA was entering WWII, along with the far more complicated
Model 21 marine chronometer; both are considered among the finest of their type. The 22 was even produced in the boxed-and-gimbaled
format, as it was proven to be reliable enough to serve as a ship’s primary timekeeper! The case is 70mm
across, of plated and matted brass, and features a wonderful guarded crown and button to prevent inadvertent setting. Although
the mainspring’s power reserve is some 60 hours, and the dial indicates up to 48, it was intended that the watch would
be wound each day at the same time for nearly perfect isochronisms. The enormous movement is fully adjusted and immaculately
finished and striped. The elegant regulator uses a spring-loaded finger which traces the perimeter of a snail-cam.

Near new dial & count down indicator HAMILTON

CHRONOMETER HISTORY: Hamilton Model 21 Marine
Chronometers and Model 22 Deck Watches.   At the outbreak of W.W. II, the United States Navy required a
vast quantity high quality chronometers. At that time, the Navy had been using Ulysses Nardin timepieces as standard
equipment with few if any being available in this country.  A request for bids was made by the War Office, and the Hamilton
Watch Company was the only firm able to meet the requirements by designing and producing an innovative marine chronometer
in  a period of about 18 months.  Hamilton was able to produce the unit in sufficient numbers to meet U.S. wartime
demand, and made 11,239 of these chronometers during the War.

Housed in a near perfect Mahogany three tier chronometer case The model 21 and 22 are technically one
of the great achievements in horology. The balance and hair spring assembly were a radical departure from traditional
chronometer design and resulted in superior time keeping rates.  In addition, Hamilton also produced a 21 jewel
lever escapement chronometer deck watch. A more detailed description of both the model 21 and 22 timepieces can be found in
Marvin E. Whitney’s book: “Military Timepieces” which is recommended reading for serious collectors.


Model 22 three tier case housed in the rare carrying case shown
open and closed