SOLD - Vintage 1941 WWII Hamilton Official Military Issue 4992b Master Navigation Pocket Watch Coin Silver Case

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$1,200.00
$1,200.00
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This is the Hamilton Official Military Issue 4992b Mater Military Navigation Watch with 12 and 24 hour dial.  This example is an earlier issue dating to 1941; that said, this 4992b is encased in a Keystone .800 silver (coin silver) case.  Many of these that are found on the market are later models encased in a base metal Keystone case.  Research shows that approximately 10% of the total production of this watch was done in coin silver with more than 50% of them gone due to scrapping of silver when it was really costly.  Sometime after 1942, it appears the case was changed to base metal to preserve silver.  That said, this is the rarest variation I know of.
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Now, let's talk about this piece.  The dial is amazing pitch black with no flaws noted and never refinished (see pictures); the hands are perfect and all original. Both the front and back covers are screw down with grip edges and the watch's original crystal.  The case is all properly marked on the external back cover as it should.  The silver hallmark is also on the back cover on the inside of the cover as shown in my pictures.  The case condition is excellent with some superficial scratches and a small nick on the rear side of the bail, which has a great design.  These are the only case flaws noted.  The movement is flawless and one of the cleanest caliber 4992B I've ever seen.  The movement features beautiful demaskeening in the form of Gevena Stripes.  The plates are all nicely beveled and very nice decoration on the main winding wheels.  To sum this up, this is an extraordinary  piece of WWII military history in the form of a fascinating and stunning timekeeper.  Similar to having a chronometer on a navy ship, the 4992B main purpose was for military aircraft and used by military pilots of all types during WWII and earning the name of master navigator with hacking.  This watch was just serviced, keeping time to modern chronometer specs and the hacking feature is all working correctly.
​Grade: 4992B
Manufacturer:Hamilton
Manufacturer Location:Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Movement Serial Number:4C38711
Grade:4992B
Model:5
Estimated Production Year:1941
Run Quantity:40,000
Total Production:144,995
Size:16s
Jewels:22j
Movement Configuration:Openface
Movement Finish:Nickel
Movement Setting:Pendant
Plate:3/4 Plate
Adjusted:Yes
Adjusted # of Positions:6
Adjusted to Temperature:Yes
Railroad Grade:No