The Great Kipton Train Wreck of 1891 led to the adoption of a national regulation called the General Railroad Timepiece Standards. To meet the new criteria for railroad timepieces, the Hamilton Grade 940 was introduced in 1898, launching the era of the great American railroad pocket watches. It also earned Hamilton their reputation as “The Railroad Timekeeper of America.” 

This Hamilton Grade 940 Model 1 was produced in 1917. It is a hefty size 18 pocket watch. Interestingly, the size 18 was the preferred size until 1915 because smaller watches were considered dainty and feminine. 

It also features a robust, hinged Coin Silver case made of .900 silver derived from melted down U.S. coinage and strengthened with other metals. This watch provides an exceptional tactile experience exuding the Coin Silver’s warmth. 

Additionally, it features a double sunk dial in excellent condition featuring the bold Arabic numerals required by regulation and the Hamilton logo.  

This watch’s Grade 940 Model 1 movement is in excellent condition and features the desirable Damaskeene finish pattern. This watch set an unparalleled standard to which other watch companies around the world aspired but could never match.

All our treasured timepieces are completely disassembled, expertly cleaned, and oiled using the finest quality watch oil and gear grease and adjusted for accuracy and comes with a full one-year warranty.