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- Scarce Hamilton Caliber 974 Traffic Special Pocket Watch Vintage 1937 17Jewels
Scarce Hamilton Caliber 974 Traffic Special Pocket Watch Vintage 1937 17Jewels
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$1,350.00
$1,200.00
$1,200.00
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This is really cool, the real deal. The illusive low production Hamilton 974 Special (Traffic Special), has arrived. So what is a traffic special really? Does it help you get out of traffic..I wish because I could sell it for a lot more. All kidding aside, the traffic special, first introduced in about 1928, and was a slightly lower cost solution to a railroad watch, The 974 Traffic Special has the makings of a railroad watch except for a few minor details...,although they are lever set, adjusted and high-grade. The company marketed them toward skilled workers that typically use industrial machinery that required great time keeping, driving such as trollies and taxis that required excellent time keeping and the many other occupations like engineers that needed the time and setting capability of a railroad watch for a little less money. These were also made to be just as utilitarian and tough as railroad watches. Although these were produced in extremely small numbers compared to railroad watches, they were immensely popular. Production ceased as soon as WWII started, along with most watches, to focus on the production of military watches. After the war, the Traffic Special was re-introduced by Hamilton using Swiss Cortebert calibers all the way up untill the end of Hamilton around 1969, although these were stem set instead of lever and were very different than the original American made caliber. The original traffic special plays an important part in Hamilton's history and is an iconic sought after piece that belongs in any important collection, as a gift, or personal purchase. These are considered investment grade. Our example is in excellent condition, the dial is perfect with no flaws noted, the case is in excellent shape with no brassing noted and no personal engravings. There is a small scuff on the original glass; barely noticeable. This Hamilton 974 Traffic Special comes with its original cloth and box with matching movement and case serial numbers. These rare beauties do not hit the market often and almost never with an original cloth and box. Thank you.
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Grade: 974 Special
Manufacturer:Hamilton Manufacturer Location:Lancaster, Pennsylvania Movement Serial Number:2566102 Grade:974 Special Model:2 Estimated Production Year:1937 Run Quantity:700 Total Production:22,523 Size:16s Jewels:17j Movement Configuration:Openface Movement Finish:Nickel Movement Setting:Lever Plate:3/4 Plate Double Roller:Yes Barrel:Going Adjusted:Yes Adjusted # of Positions:3 Railroad Grade:No |