Like most tools, watches were made with more than one purpose in mind.
Of course, a watch’s main ability is to tell its user what the time is.
Everything else added along the way — the ability to know the date all the way to seeing your heart rate, the temperature, hearing the new top song on the music charts or making a phone call – watches can do it all.
Life sailing on the open water can be a lonely and scary endeavor, but watches helped sailors with navigation.
During World War II, the Hamilton 22 was developed and stayed below deck on Navy vessels as their chronometer.
Before GPS, chronometers helped get an accurate reading on a ship’s longitude.
The deck watches could be taken to on deck to compare their time with other watches on the boat, which led to them being referred to as “comparing watches.”
The Model 22 looks and weighs like a heavy pocket.
The Model 22s have an up/down indicator letting you know when it is in need of a winding.
Its 60-hour mainspring helps ensure its high-quality accuracy.
Mark Sirianni
25 Fraley St.
Kane, PA. 16735
watchdoctorpa@gmail.com
1-814-558-4818 Cell
1-814-837-9435
8 Comments
PAUL
MARK maybe you could explain how this fantastic time piece was able to show the navigator how to figure out how to plot his coarse and get his longitude.where the ship was on the ocean. it would be a very interesting read.
Johnny
Thanks for the great info Mark. Very informative. I have several Hamilton wrist watches and pocket watches, but had no idea this one even existed.
Michael Crestohl
Great article about a classic piece of American ingenuity and workmanship. I have three pieces. The Mosdel 22 is technically a “watch” whereas the Model 21 is a true chronometer with a detent movement and a fusee chain drive. The two models are significantly different even down to their physical sizes.
I would love to see a similar article on the Model 21.
Michael Crestohl
Great article about a classic piece of American ingenuity and workmanship. I have three pieces. The Model 22 is technically a “watch” whereas the Model 21 is a true chronometer with a detent movement and a fusee chain drive. The two models are significantly different even down to their physical sizes.
I would love to see a similar article on the Model 21.
Mel Schuman
I am the happy owner if the model 22 and appreciate the history you gave me of this beauty.
Curt
Dollar for dollar, a Hamilton watch is a very sound purchase. Thank you, Mark. Great learning, as always.
David
Thanks for featuring this, Mark. I recently purchased the Equation of Time Model 22 Deck Watch by RGM which is an homage to this classic piece. I love the look and design and the story behind it. I’d love to know if you are able to service the watch when the time comes. RGM just serviced it for me, but at a considerable price. The movement is 21 jeweled hand wind movement based on the Peseux 7001.
Reilly
If you’re interested in marine chronometers and navigation read Longitude by Dava Sobel.
Superbly written. There is a larger lavishly illustrated version well worth the extra money.