r/Vintage_Hamilton

I think this could be valuable especially with the card, but I don't know much about pocket watches. Just looking for any help from the group.

Picked this up recently and trying to find the exact model information and possibly the year. Any information would be greatly appreciated. TIA

While you always see the Model 43, you rarely see Model 23 with the shock absorber case. This was so the watch could be thrown into an Army box and still maintain time. Watches weren't shock resistant like they are now. The watch itself is a 16 size 19j pocket watch with stopwatch function. Just something different!

I was wondering if you guys had any input on this Hamilton I found on a local thrift shop, I‘d be surprised if it’s newer than the 1950s but I’m curious if you guys have any stories or insights on this bad boy

Found this one in a local auction.
With a few twists of fate, I was able to win the bid and bring this awesome specimen home.
It came with the original box and in excellent condition.
Mint dial, hands and casing.
But a few minor things I noticed is there is a bit of discoloration in the back, showing a yellowish color much like bronze. I am not sure of this is how these watch were produced back then. Or with age, the back oxidized, hence the discoloration.
And given this should be a military issued chronograph, there is no ordinance stamp or military spec on the caseback.

I think this might be a NOS chronograph timepiece that was sitting in the warehouse and never got issued.
What do you think?
Kind of interesting.

Background: Hamilton releases the first commercially produced battery operated / electric watches in January 1957. The Ventura is one of the original two models initially released.

After speaking with René Rondeau, and doing tons of research, I have discovered this particular Ventura was among the very first electric watches ever produced. Most likely within the first 100 or so. If you’d like to know more, feel free to shoot me a DM. Case back number falls within the first 500 Ventura cases produced. Very early 1300L serial number (it’s estimated the first 1100 serial numbered movements were prototypes and test wear watches). The movement also features a hairspring limiter with corresponding tab on hairspring itself. There’s also holes in the pillar plate + train bridge which was for the original (and very flawed) double index wheel design. Both of these designs were quickly scrapped for the better finger block and magnetic index wheel system.

1940 Hamilton Vincent with original strap 980 movement 10k Gold Filled Original price in 1940 was $45 this model was only made for two years 1940 and 1941