Hamilton 36S 21J adj. 6p Model 22 marine chronometer watch #2F26940, case housing #11438, proprietary setting type specific to the Model 22 with a pin-set depress that then allows the crown to be pulled out to the time-set position, impressive nickel bridge movement with distinctive angular plate & bridge layouts and a bar-style damascene pattern is marked "U.S. Navy - BU. Ships - 1943" in addition to the standard Hamilton movement markings, champagne-toned metal dial with large black Arabic-style numbers, a black minute marker register and black printed power register at 12 o'clock and seconds register at 6 o'clock, dial does have a few small scratches & spots of discoloration, additionally it appears that the inside of the bezel was painted with a white or luminous paint which is now flaking off and will settle on the dial, we will clear off any flakes that have accumulated when the watch is shipped but the tiny flakes are prolific and can be expected to continue until the paint is gone, bold black steel spade & whip style hands.
In lieu of a portable watch case, this watch has been fitted into a Hamilton wood, glass & brass gimbal box, elaborate gyroscopic brass frame supports the watch, which is housed in a milled round brass housing with an extra heavy screw-down back that will keep the watch naturally wanting to remain dial-up, housing back is unmarked, front & back bezels both have a textured cross-hatch engraved design, faceted glass crystal, the watch & gimbal frame are then secured into a large Hamilton brown hardwood box with stainless steel hinges & latches, box has two lids, opening the first one will allow you to view the watch through a thick pane of glass, opening both lids gives you access to the watch and frame, time setting instructions are attached to the interior of the second lid, outer white painted balsa wood panel is marked "Hamilton Watch Co. Lancaster, PA., U.S.A." in black, green felt backing on the bottom.
Box, gimbals & watch housing are all showing normal even wear overall with some shallow but notable scratches on the box, some base metal showing on the latch plates, degradation to the green felt and a bit of oxidation on some of the brass fittings, watch in its housing measures approx. 75mm in diameter x 50mm thick, box measures approx. 151mm wide x 153mm deep x 148mm tall. An incredible, high grade triple signed marine chronometer, contracted by the US Navy from Hamilton for the WWII war effort in the 1940s, running strong and in excellent overall condition!
Please note: for this particular item, due to U.S. export limitations, we can only ship to domestic U.S. addresses.
- Year Made: 1943
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Company:
Hamilton
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Movement Size:
36S
- Jewels: 0721J
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Setting/Movement Type:
pendant set
- Adjustments: 6 positions
- Model/Grade: Model 22
- Serial #: 2F26940
- Movement Finish: nickel
- Movement Details: wind indicator, bridge layout, marine chronometer
- Dial Material: metal
- Dial Color: champagne
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Hand Style:
spade & whip
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Case Style:
SB&B
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Case Material:
Brass, Wood, Glass
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Case Details:
factory case, gimbal box
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Case Width/Diameter:
75mm (2.95 inches)
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Case Length, bow included:
75mm (2.95 inches)
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Case Thickness:
50mm (1.97 inches)
- Crystal Material: glass
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Condition:
Excellent
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Gender:
Unisex
The Hamilton watch company began business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892 and still operates today. The last watches produced in the American factory were made in 1969, after which the company was sold to a Swiss owner.
We also offer a collection of reference and research books for a number of different watch manufacturers, which can be found in our
Watch-Related Books section. As an additional resource, we've posted a
Serial Number Production List which includes information for Hamilton serial numbers and dates of manufacture.
The NAWCC also has a
comprehensive article about the company; additional information may also be found on
Wikipedia.
You may browse all of our men's pocket watches from this manufacturer at our
Vintage Men's Hamilton Pocket Watches category.
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of October 29th, 2025, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
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