Watch Face Appraisal

Hamilton Watch Co. Open-Face Pocket Watch

This is a vintage Hamilton Watch Co. open-face pocket watch, characterized by its round golden-toned metallic case. The watch face is white, clean, and features prominent black Arabic numeral hour markers from '1' to '12', with 'Hamilton Watch Co.' elegantly scripted below the '12' position. A sub-dial for seconds is located above the '6' position, marked with Arabic numerals '10' through '60' in increments of '10', and smaller hash marks for individual seconds. The main dial also includes red five-minute markers (5, 10, 15, etc.) in a smaller font around the perimeter, just inside the minute track, accompanied by black dash minute markers. The hour and minute hands are slender and dark-colored, likely blued steel or a similar finish. The crystal appears clear, though a faint scratch or crack is visible near the '2' and '3' positions, extending from the bezel towards the center. The case features an ornate, possibly engine-turned or intricately engraved bezel, showing a detailed pattern that adds to its aesthetic appeal. The crown, used for winding and setting the time, is located at the '12' position and exhibits a fluted or reeded texture, topped with a robust, fixed bail or bow. The metal of the case, crown, and bail shows a warm, aged patina consistent with brass or gold-filled material, though the specific metal content is not discernible without further inspection. The presence of 'CWC Co' trademark and the number '1545632' inside indicates the likely case manufacturer and a serial number, which could help in dating the watch more precisely, potentially placing it in the late 19th or early 20th century, a common period for quality American pocket watch manufacturing. The overall construction suggests a piece of good craftsmanship, designed for durability and precision.