108th Auction
2023/5/20
Lot 64
Hamilton Watch Co., LancasterModel 121
An American ship's chronometer of the U.S. Army Air Force with 24h display and 56h power reserve indicator
Sold
estimated
5.000—10.000 €
Price realized
5.000 €
specific features
Case
Mahogany, brass inlays, applied signature shield, screwed on handles, with lid and glass, brass gimbals and bowl, three-body.
Dial
Silvered, signed, numbered.
Movement
Rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, conical moulded movement pillars, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, monometallic screw balance, helical balance spring, 14 jewels.
Case no.3E024
Diam.195 x 195 x 205 mm
Circa1945
Ctry.USA
This remarkable, unusual instrument is part of the so-called Hamilton marine chronometer first series with 24-hour dial produced in the 1940s. Only 42 examples of this model 121 were ever produced, starting with no. 3E001 and ending with 3E042. The first three copies were delivered to the US Air Force on March 4, 1943. A total of 20 instruments were delivered to the US Air Force, the other 22 were sold to various retailers trading in nautical instruments on the west coast.