CASE DIMENSIONS: 6″ square                         
 WEIGHT: 4 lbs 11 oz

Presented is a WW II HAMILTON Model 22 Chronometer
in its traditional three section varnished wood case with full gimbal mounts. It is in fine condition
with some minor scratches. Most of the original lacquer is present. This chronometer was made at the end of WW II
for display and has been in the prior owners care ever since. 

The 12 hour dial is without a blemish and looks as new. It reads HAMILTON LANCASTER, PA., U.S.A., 48
hour Up/Down Indicator at top, Seconds Bit Under. The number 10901 is engraved on the bezel and on the body of the housing
under Hamilton, and in the inside of the back cover. Inside, the movement is engraved the Model 22 specifications and U.S.
Navy Bureau of Ships 1942. To the right of the balance wheel is 2F28044 which is the movements serial number.

This Model 22 is a fine
running clock which should appeal to those seeking a historic chronometer of the WW II Era

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 amongst 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.

Fine looking dial with 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 of 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. 

The model 21 and 22 are
technically one of the great achievements in horology. The balance and hairspring 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.

This fine example is a worthy addition to any timepiece collection.