#272 • Hamilton, "SAMPLE 75" marine chronometer, likely pre-Model 21 production

Part of 261022 - "Fall Featured Auction" Horology, Jewelry & Coins - October 1 - 22 (timed auction by Jones & Horan Auctions)

High bid $850.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Oct 22, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

Hamilton, "Sample 75" marked marine chronometer, fusee-drive with spring detent escapement, 56-hour winding indicator, and break circuit attachment, mounted within a likely later-made gilt metal rotating tub with plastic around sides and over rear for movement display, on wooden base with mirror below the instrument, silvered dial of approximately 4 inch diameter with 1941 date within seconds-register, KWKS (key not included with this lot), spring detent escapement with capped escape wheel, break circuit attachment, 15J, mono-metallic free-sprung balance with helical Elinvar hairspring, striped pattern nickel damascene, marked "SAMPLE 75" instead of serial number. A very intriguing and possibly unique piece for the Hamilton collector that appears likely to have been a pre-production trial piece for the Model 21 chronometer. The early 1940s were a time of extensive experimentation at Hamilton and a number of pre-production timepieces of various products are known with markings of "MODEL," "SAMPLE," or "EXP'L" in lieu of production serial number. Aside from the markings on the plates of this example we do not see anything immediately apparent that diverges from Model 21 regular production, but a disassembly and close comparison versus a regular production example may be a worthwhile endeavor for its next owner. CONDITION: Mvt: NR, will tick when dial-down but stops with an audible escapement error when turned to other positions, good winding indicator function, overhaul needed, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, few micro-fine scratches; dial nearly flawless in visible portion, few negligible pinpoint marks; nearly mint hands; tub and case are cosmetically excellent, showing very little wear, good front glass over dial, plastic around and over mvt with few fine scratches and one small patch of abrasion, stand cosmetically excellent, "Sample 75" plaque with a fracture. Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500 JH-75788