My buddy's wife's pendant? watch

[Scott_L]

Hi EOT PW&C forum,
these are pics of my buddy's wife's pocket watch. I think she picked it
up at a church fare or something. It's probably not a pocket watch, more
likely pendant? It's pretty cool that the quality seems high, despite
the size. Look at the center wheel: it overlaps the balance so far, the teeth
almost touch the balance cock!
My buddy said the movement's a Hamilton 985a, but has no idea what
size. Anyway, I thought I'd show it to you. Cheers!

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/shelbs02/Hamilton985a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/shelbs02/Hamilt6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/shelbs02/Hamilt2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

[Watch Carefully]

Hey Scott,
Ask your pal to post or e-mail me the serial number of the movement, and I'll look it up. I believe that the 985 was only made for a short period around 1913, and in low numbers. There is a hunting-style version (983?) and these are 0-size. I've long felt that the 19j hunting-style version would make a very nice custom wristwatch. You are right that this is called a pendant watch. Some of them have interesting barrel bridge shapes and are even labeled "Lady Hamilton."

I'll check my facts when I get home from business travel.
Cheers,
Brad

[Scott_L]

Thanks, Brad, I'll ask him.:)

[Watch Carefully]

Looking more closely at your photos, I think (by comparing the shape and trying to decipher the s/n) that it is a Grade 986. The 986 is a different size (6/0 size--same as the famous Grade 987 found in most 1920s Hamilton men's wrist watches) and is less rare than the 985. My book shows Grade 986 movements made in 2 runs in 1917 (s/n 2001701-2002400, 2002801-2003100) and then more made until 1923, when the 986A production began (until 1926). It would appear that more than 30,000 were made, so It's not particularly rare, just uncommon.

Now, if he had a 985, that would be rare...fewer than 1900 were made.
Cheers,
Brad

[Scott_L]

said his wife went to a church fare. They wanted $2.00 donation for it.
She said it looked expensive and gave them $20. I'll bet she still got a
good deal, even if it isn't a 985!

But, let's just keep that a secret between us two, shall we?:p