Ladies 1920s Hamilton Usa Decagon Case 14k Gold Filled Vintage Art Deco Watch For Sale

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Hamilton entered the men’s wristwatch market rather late, introducing its first (non-military type) men’s watches in November 1922, a good 10 years after Illinois, Elgin and Waltham. Well, they quickly caught up with the other “big” American firms, producing some of the nicest Art Deco gent’s watches made…including this ladies DECAGON model from ca 1926, a 14kt White Gold filled example in great condition.

The “Decagon” (ten sided) was one of Hamilton’s first ladies Art Deco wrist models and it was released along with the “Tonneau”, “Round” and “Cushion” models. The cost was $48 for a 14kt gold filled model and $62 for a solid gold example.

This triple-signed, ten-sided case watch measures 32mm wire lug tip to wire lug tip and 27.5mm in width (30mm with winding crown). In inches this works out to be 1-1/4” long by just shy of 1-1/8” of an inch wide, not counting the crown, almost as big as a men’s Hamilton model of the same era (i.e., the Cushion or Square) and using the same size mechanism. It is powered by its original 17 Jewel, 987 grade manual wind mechanism that has been fully serviced by my valued watchmaker David prior to sale, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The silver, enamel finished dial is in excellent condition, professionally restored to its correct, original status. It features a 60 minute outer track border, black enamel painted numerals, blue steel Hamilton hands (one spade tip, one diamond tip) and a separate sub-seconds dial with 60 second outer chapter and ‘sweep’ original blue steel seconds hand. Signed HAMILTON below the 12.

The solid glass crystal is in excellent, clear condition. The three-piece case is 14 Karat White Gold Filled and in great to excellent shape (one touch of wear on bezel, near 4, only), a unique Decagon design that really stands out. Note the finely engraved detailing of the bezel and sides.

The gently domed winding crown is in great shape, winding smoothly. This crown pulls in and out quite easily but you need to pull it out with two fingers (thumb and index), grasping from the top and bottom equally (versus just using your fingernail).

Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is in great condition, featuring an engraved monogram that reads “MM.” Inside I find a proven, high quality Lancaster, PA made mechanism (6/0 size) that is signed Hamilton Watch Co., 17 Jewels [Grade] 987 . The serial number is 2,212,051. The inside case lid is signed HAMILTON WATCH CO., 14K GOLD FILLED, 987 - LANCASTER, PA with case number 295,387.

This timepiece has been cleaned, oiled, regulated just last week to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted with a new 14mm black smooth leather strap with fold-over ends especially designed to fit early, wire lug watches like this (i.e., watches that don’t use conventional spring bars). This watch will fit comfortably fit a wrist 6-1/4 inches to 7-1/4 inches in size – it even fits my small guy’s wrist well. That’s the scoop on a less often seen “Decagon” Hamilton – I don’t believe Waltham or Elgin made a ladies ten sided model and this is just the second Decagon I’ve ever sold.

• Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I’m especially proud of my excellent response and high number of repeat clients. I’m a long-standing member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), and have collected watches since I was a kid.
• Watch sizes: I provide exact measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in photos as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s watches from the 1910s - 1960s were smaller than considered normal today.
• Buyers outside the United States with less than five response: Please introduce yourself via email PRIOR to offerding. Otherwise, your offer may be retracted.
• Note: The USPS has raised its fees for all services as of 1/27/20013 – including a 100% increase of first class international rates. I charge less than actual cost for fully insured, shipping with tracking – there are no handling or packing fees. Overall, I spent $1.22 for every $1 received for shipping costs in 2012 (source: Quick books data).
• U.S. winners pay $6.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS First-Class Mail shipping. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) add 8.6% sales tax.
• Canadian buyers pay $21.00 for Registered Air Mail shipping with tracking (I cover the insurance) or $35 for EMS Global Express, a bit faster. International buyers pay $49.00 for EMS Global Express Mail with tracking and insurance. I do provide a Registered Air Mail shipping option ($25.00) to a few select countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. If you are an international buyer please wait until I invoice you with your shipping option(s).
• International Buyers – Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding. While I ship within 24 hours of receiving payment but your local custom authorities can delay the delivery of your package. As such, it can take anywhere from 7 days to 30 days before final delivery is made.
• Payment is due within three days of sale end, unless you’ve contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.
• In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you.
• If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add holbensfinewatches to your Favorite Sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s – 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies’ cocktail watches.

Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of straps including Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment clasps and buckles; metal bracelets; German military Bunds; UTC ballistic nylon G10; open-ended; James Bond striped, leather and woven NATOs; WWII canvas military; genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich-, shark- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant and woven/braided.

Cautious Carl and I want thank everyone for 15 GREAT YEARS on …keep on ticking!

On Mar-04-13 at 21:00:02 PST, seller added the following information:

holben Store

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This item has been shown 412 times. Ladies 1920s Hamilton Usa Decagon Case 14k Gold Filled Vintage Art Deco Watch: $168

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