How does someone compare two works of art? In some debates, there are no wrong answers — especially looking at beauty.
My wife’s two favorite movies are Pretty Woman, starring Richard Gere, and Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze. I asked her recently which actor was more handsome, and she answered, “there is no comparison.” I did not immediately understand this answer, but she explained that they are both handsome in their own unique way, so comparing them was impossible.
In the debate of the Hamilton 992 and Hamilton 992B pocket watches, there are no wrong answers.
This picture shows the 992 main plate and train wheels and shows the clutch wheel and winding pinion.
The 992B’s main plate, train wheels and setting parts.
The 992 crown wheel. It’s easy to remove and oil.
The 992B crown wheel is a bit more difficult to remove and needs to be oiled properly or it will bind.
Here is the 992B crown wheel complete.
The 992 steel mainspring.
The 992B alloy mainspring is more modern and holds up better over time.
The 992 setting parts, minute wheel and cannon pinion.
The 992B setting parts, minute wheel and cannon pinion
The 992 balance wheel and steel hairspring is shown above. This spring has a different stud that is a bit more difficult to deal with on the balance bridge.
Also, magnetism is a bit more of a problem with this hairspring.
The 992B balance with alloy mainspring is shown.
A simple balance wheel with an easy stud screw attachment to the bridge makes it much easier to replace the staff when needed.
The 992 complete movement is shown showing the beautiful engraving and lettering on all of the bridges.
The 992B complete movement is a simple, but beautiful movement.
Here is a timing machine reading on a well-running 992B. It has outstanding performance for a watch that is 70 years old!
Mark Sirianni Watch Repair
25 Fraley Street
Kane, Pa. 16735
814-837-9435
814-558-4818 (cell)
watchdoctorpa@gmail.com
CHARLEY PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Charley was resting up on the steps before her 7 p.m. walk.
11 Comments
Mark Morgan
Living in Lancaster I love all Hamilton information Thank You
Tom Gonzales
Mark, I truly thank you for such good information. Guess what, I just happen to have on my possession a Hamilton 992B that you completely overhauled. What a superb job you did! I compare this watch against the atomic clock that sits in the kitchen and I got to tell you this this old relic is extremely accurate! This pocket watch is in use daily thanks to you and will be kept maintained by you and you only! I feel good carrying around a bit of mechanical history that is highly useful and well regarded by me and others who see it! I also feel good that there is a man out there that can keep this thing running so that it will be useful as long as I live. You are a good man Mark and I thank you. Besides, anybody that love’s dog’s like you is GREAT in my book. I am also a dog lover with labs and Jack Russel terriers. Thanks Mark.
The Watch Doctor
Thanks for the nice comments
Justin
Great pictures of two iconic pocket watch movements and Charley!
Greg Keefer
Thanks again Mark – great comparison of 2 iconic movements.
Ray Bokesch
I always find your emails fascinating. Looking inside a timepiece and viewing all the intricate parts,
is just wild! Everything is so tiny, but not fragile.
The dog makes my day too.
Alan Brody
Thanks Mark for another great chance to learn about watches. Would you agree that one take home message is that if you’re looking for a watch to carry a 992B is a better choice. If you’re looking for function and beauty combined in a watch movement, choose a 992.
The Watch Doctor
A 992b is a great watch to use everyday, tough and reliable
Johnny
Like both the 992 and 992B. Great pocket watches!!!!
Patrick Bissell
Mark, Thanks for the 992 and 992B compare/contrast. Very good information. Charley is such a beautiful girl.
The Watch Doctor
Thanks