1924 Hamilton Cushion, Calibet 986A, 17 Jewel. Beautiful Condition
$877.00
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Details1924 Art Deco Hamilton Cushion Case Wristwatch
Movement #2141966 | 17 Jewel | 10K Gold Filled | Champagne Dial
American Precision, Art Deco Elegance — A Wristwatch Born at the Dawn of Modern Timekeeping
⌚️ A Watch from a Turning Point in Time
This is not just a wristwatch — it’s a mechanical milestone.
Crafted in late 1924, this Hamilton 6/0 cushion-case watch features movement #2141966, placing it at a historic crossroads in both design and technology. At this moment in horological history, Hamilton was transitioning from repurposed pendant watches to purpose-built wristwatches — a shift that helped define the American wristwatch industry.
What powers this piece is what makes it especially significant:
🔧 The 986A Movement — Hamilton’s Unsung Hero
Inside this case ticks Hamilton’s legendary 986A movement — or what is very likely the final generation of the 986A before it evolved into the iconic 987 series. The 986A is not just a bridge between pocket watches and modern wristwatches — it is the bridge.
Introduced as one of Hamilton's first purpose-built wristwatch calibers, the 986A features:
🔹 17 jewels — more than most contemporaries of the era
🔹 A refined, compact form factor (6/0 size) perfect for wristwear
🔹 Full American manufacture — no Swiss outsourcing
🔹 Engineering lineage that directly led to the 987 — the movement that defined Hamilton through the 1930s and WWII
The 986A was short-lived, produced in limited quantity and quickly succeeded by the 987, making surviving examples rare — especially in this original, running condition.
🛠️ Hamilton's Technical Legacy: A Tradition of Excellence
To understand the greatness of the 986A, one must consider Hamilton’s broader achievements in horology by the 1920s:
🔹 Railroad Accuracy (1890s–1910s)
Hamilton earned the moniker "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy" through obsessive precision in its pocket watches. That same attention to engineering now flowed into its emerging wristwatch line.
🔹 The 17-Jewel Standard
While many manufacturers of the time opted for simpler 7- or 15-jewel movements, Hamilton committed to the 17-jewel build in the 986A — a bold statement of durability, performance, and precision.
🔹 The 987 Series (Mid-1920s–1950s)
The legendary 987 movement — powering everything from Art Deco dress watches to WWII field watches — owes its design DNA to the 986A. That makes this timepiece a vital early chapter in Hamilton’s wristwatch story.
🔹 American Through and Through
Unlike competitors relying on Swiss parts, Hamilton movements like the 986A were entirely engineered, built, and adjusted in Lancaster, PA — a true mark of American innovation.
🏛️ Design: An Early Art Deco Statement
Encased in a 10K yellow gold-filled cushion case, this 1924 model reflects the rising influence of Art Deco — balanced geometry, smooth edges, and wearable elegance. The champagne dial, with its original finish and natural patina, offers warmth and authenticity, lending this timepiece a quietly luxurious presence.
🔸 A Century-Old Case with No Wear-Through
This watch isn’t just rare because of its movement — it's rare because its case remains intact.
Zero wear-through. That’s almost unheard of for a gold-filled case from the 1920s. The integrity of the gold layer, preserved after 101 years, speaks volumes about both the quality of Hamilton’s production and the stewardship of previous owners.
🔍 Technical Specifications
Brand: Hamilton Watch Co.
Year: Late 1924
Movement: Manual wind, 6/0 size
Caliber: Hamilton 986A (late version)
Jewels: 17
Serial Number: 2141966
Case: 10K Yellow Gold Filled, Cushion Style
Dial: Original Champagne Dial, Arabic Numerals
Crystal: Acrylic (likely later replacement)
Lug Width: 14mm
Case Width: ~29mm (excluding crown)
Condition: Original and unrestored, currently running — service is recommended for long-term performance
📦 Condition Notes:
✅ Movement winds and runs
✅ Dial is original, with natural patina — never refinished
✅ No wear-through on case — exceptional for its age
✅ Sold as-is to preserve originality; no recent servicing
🧭 Why This Watch Belongs in Your Collection
This watch offers more than vintage charm — it offers context and consequence:
🔹 A mechanical bridge from the pocket watch era to the wristwatch age
🔹 One of the last and finest examples of the 986A movement
🔹 A survivor with untouched dial and pristine case integrity
🔹 A zero wear-through, 100+ year-old gold-filled case — near unheard of
🎩 Own a Piece of American Watchmaking Heritage
Whether you're a Hamilton collector, an Art Deco enthusiast, or someone who values transitional horology, this 1924 cushion-case wristwatch isn’t just a vintage piece — it’s a historical artifact. A blend of American innovation, elegant design, and enduring craftsmanship.
Time has passed, but this watch hasn’t faded.
It remains bold. Original. American. Powered by the rare and revered Hamilton 986A. -
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