American Watch Guild logo American Watch Guild members
Hamilton Grade 950 Pocket Watch Identification & Technical Specs
Guild Home > Archive > Hamilton Grade 950 Pocket Watch Identification & Technical Specs

⚙️ Convert This Pocket Watch Movement into a Custom Wristwatch

Have an authentic vintage Grade 950 mechanism? Our partner master atelier AntiqueWrist specializes in handcrafting solid .925 sterling silver wristwatch cases with welded wire lugs custom-fitted for this exact movement.

Explore WW1 Trench Watches at AntiqueWrist →

Serial Number & Production Dating Lookup

Enter the 5 to 8 digit serial number stamped directly on the movement plate (not the watch case):

Technical Specifications & Factory Archival Records

Grade / ReferenceGrade 950
Movement Size16s
Jewel Count23 Jewels
Railroad Certification✓ Certified Railroad Grade
Vibrations Per Hour18,000 BPH (2.5 Hz)
Balance Lift Angle51°
Power Reserve36 hours
Escapement TypeStraight line lever escapement
Balance Wheel ConstructionBimetallic compensation balance with gold screws
Hairspring SpecificationBlued steel Breguet spring
Shock Protection SystemNone (Solid jewel settings)

Horological Architecture & Collector Notes

The American Grade 950 was engineered to meet rigorous American horological standards during the turn of the 20th century. Utilizing high-grade alloy components, a precision Straight line lever escapement, and 23 jewels with fine ruby endstones, this movement provided exceptional isochronism and positional stability.

Among vintage restorers and conversion specialists, this series is admired for its accessible gear train geometry and solid metallurgy, making surviving specimens excellent candidates for preservation and custom recasing.

User ID: Password:
© American Watch Guild. All rights reserved. • Horological Reference Archive