Hamilton pocket watch questions..

[Jim Bianchi]

What is the difference between a Hamilton 992 and a Hamilton 992b?
I've one of each -- is one more accurate (or something) than the other?

Also, what's the word on the Hamilton 'bar over stem' cases? Are
they particularly hard to find, or rare, or simply not often seen/used? For
a lever set watch, this makes a good deal of sense. How easy are they to
find? (I know, I know..search eBay. Unfortunately, my banker has temporarily
revoked my access..)

[Moka Java]

Post by Jim Bianchi
What is the difference between a Hamilton 992 and a Hamilton 992b?
I've one of each -- is one more accurate (or something) than the other?

The 992b's are newer. Biggest difference is the elinvar hairspring in
the 992b. Personally, I like the finish on the 992 better.

Post by Jim Bianchi
Also, what's the word on the Hamilton 'bar over stem' cases? Are
they particularly hard to find, or rare, or simply not often seen/used? For
a lever set watch, this makes a good deal of sense. How easy are they to
find? (I know, I know..search eBay. Unfortunately, my banker has temporarily
revoked my access..)

Most of the bar over crown cases I've seen were newer and gold plated
rather than gold filled. Desired by collectors so they are worth more.

Ricard "of negligible collectible value" F

[Jack Denver]

The 992b's extended past the "golden age" of American watchmaking and right
into the twilight, so the finish on the later ones is not particularly
good - damascening , etc. was by then something from the prior age, like
spats on your shoes, especially when they had to start really cranking them
out for the (WWII) war effort. OTOH, the Elinvar spring and their younger
age usually means they are less worn and run better. So 992 for looks, 992b
for accuracy.

Post by Jim Bianchi
What is the difference between a Hamilton 992 and a Hamilton 992b?
I've one of each -- is one more accurate (or something) than the other?

The 992b's are newer. Biggest difference is the elinvar hairspring in the
992b. Personally, I like the finish on the 992 better.

Post by Jim Bianchi
Also, what's the word on the Hamilton 'bar over stem' cases? Are
they particularly hard to find, or rare, or simply not often seen/used? For
a lever set watch, this makes a good deal of sense. How easy are they to
find? (I know, I know..search eBay. Unfortunately, my banker has temporarily
revoked my access..)

Most of the bar over crown cases I've seen were newer and gold plated
rather than gold filled. Desired by collectors so they are worth more.
Ricard "of negligible collectible value" F

[speedy]

Post by Jim Bianchi
What is the difference between a Hamilton 992 and a Hamilton 992b?
I've one of each -- is one more accurate (or something) than the other?

The 992b also has a friction staff instead of a riveted staff.

-Pete

[randee]

In addition to the the items already mentioned, the 992b's have press-in
jewels, rather than screw down jewel settings. Basically the idea was
to save costs on manufacturing without particularly affecting accuracy.
Dials were frequently single sunk, instead of double sunk, and in later
years (50's) melamine (a plastic) was used for some dials instead of
fired enamel. A lot of collectors like the 'BOS' cases as they are
thought to be particularly attractive and unique to Hamilton (especially
the model 2 case). But case attractiveness is pretty much a personal
thing, that is why so many different ones were offered! The BOS gold
filled cases are common. AFAIR the only solid gold screw bezel case they
offered was in the #2 BOS case style. Now that one is a real rarity and
commands an outstanding premium.

There was also a 992E model, which offered the advantage of the Elinvar
springs, but in other respects was basically a 992 rather than a 992b.
The 992E's are not too common, but they are offered occasionally on the
dealer sites and eBay. They are the costliest of the 992 series (just
as the 950E's are in the 950 series).
--
wf.

Post by Jim Bianchi
What is the difference between a Hamilton 992 and a Hamilton 992b?
I've one of each -- is one more accurate (or something) than the other?
Also, what's the word on the Hamilton 'bar over stem' cases? Are
they particularly hard to find, or rare, or simply not often seen/used? For
a lever set watch, this makes a good deal of sense. How easy are they to
find? (I know, I know..search eBay. Unfortunately, my banker

[Jim Bianchi]

Post by randee
In addition to the the items already mentioned, the 992b's have press-in
jewels, rather than screw down jewel settings. Basically the idea was
to save costs on manufacturing without particularly affecting accuracy.
Dials were frequently single sunk, instead of double sunk, and in later
years (50's) melamine (a plastic) was used for some dials instead of
fired enamel. A lot of collectors like the 'BOS' cases as they are
thought to be particularly attractive and unique to Hamilton (especially
the model 2 case). But case attractiveness is pretty much a personal
thing, that is why so many different ones were offered! The BOS gold
filled cases are common. AFAIR the only solid gold screw bezel case they
offered was in the #2 BOS case style. Now that one is a real rarity and
commands an outstanding premium.
There was also a 992E model, which offered the advantage of the Elinvar
springs, but in other respects was basically a 992 rather than a 992b.
The 992E's are not too common, but they are offered occasionally on the
dealer sites and eBay. They are the costliest of the 992 series (just
as the 950E's are in the 950 series).

Thanks, you and all the rest who replied. BTW I saw a 992e on eBay
last night, and wondered what it was. Now I know. Thanks again..