1914 Hamilton Railroad Pocket Watch Openface 18s Grade 940 21 Jewels

Watch Overview

This 1914 Hamilton Railroad pocket watch is a classic example of early 20th-century American watchmaking, crafted during a pivotal time in railroad history. Featuring a clean white enamel dial with bold black Arabic numerals, a black and red outer minute track, and blued steel hands, it offers both timeless design and practical legibility. A sub-seconds dial sits neatly at 6 o’clock, true to the functionality required by railroad standards of the era.

Inside, the watch houses the robust Hamilton Grade 940 manual-wind movement, equipped with 21 jewels and small-second hand. This 18-size, Model 1, Class 4 movement is lever-set and known for its reliability, especially valued by railroad professionals. The movement has been fully inspected and is running accurately, authenticated by our in-house watchmaker.

The case is made of yellow gold-filled, with a smooth bezel and screw-back. It shows signs of use consistent with age, but remains in good vintage condition overall. This fine Hamilton timepiece offers a wonderful opportunity to own a functional piece of American horological and railroad heritage.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Hamilton
• Type: Pocket Watch
• Model: Railroad
• Year / Era: 1914 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: United States - U.S.A.

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: White
• Features: Black Arabic numerals, black/red minute track and matching blue steel hands. Sub-seconds at 6 o'clock.
• Closure: Open Face

Movement

• Type: Mechanical
• Caliber: Grade 940
• Jewels: 21
• Movement Functions:
  • Manual-winding
  • Central hours and minutes
  • Small-seconds
  • Lever-set
  • Model 1
  • Class 4
  • Size 18s
  • Adjusted 5 positions, temperature and Isochronism
  • Railroad Class A
  • Movement SN 989913

Case & Band

• Material: Yellow gold filled
• Case Shape: Round
• Bezel: Smooth
• Back: Screw-back
• Crown: Lever-set
• Case Back Markings: NAWCO Security Guaranteed 20 Years - 7092126

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 49.7
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 54.5
• Case Thickness: 14

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: The watch remains in good condition, showing signs of wear consistent with its age and use. It features a smooth case and bezel, as well as a white enamel dial. The pocket watch holder is not included in the purchase.
• Extras: This timepiece has been fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately. It is ready to wear.

History & Legacy of Hamilton

Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hamilton Watch Company has built a lasting legacy as one of America's most iconic watchmakers. Originally specializing in pocket watches, Hamilton quickly gained a reputation for precision and reliability—qualities that led to their selection as a key supplier of timepieces for the U.S. military during World War I. As wristwatches grew in popularity throughout the 1920s, Hamilton adapted, producing stylish and functional models that marked the beginning of their shift toward innovation. In 1957, they introduced the Ventura, the world’s first electric watch, which achieved pop culture fame when worn by Elvis Presley. Hamilton was also the official timekeeper for the first U.S. airmail service in 1918 and played a key role in aviation and space history—its instruments were even present in the cockpit during America’s first spacewalk in 1965.

Throughout the 20th century, Hamilton continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking, both technologically and stylistically. Their commitment to innovation led to a merger with the Swiss Buren Watch Company in 1969, blending American spirit with Swiss precision under the Hamilton-Buren name. Today, Hamilton operates as part of the prestigious Swatch Group, continuing to produce high-quality timepieces that blend heritage with forward-thinking design. With a portfolio that bridges classic American craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, Hamilton remains a celebrated name in horology worldwide.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Contact Us

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

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