Clyde from Carolina
Member
HH's cool post of that gorgeous Seiko inspired me to do a quick post about this Hamilton Sutton I picked up last year.
It was languishing in a local antique/junk store when I noticed it in the case. I usually don't bother looking at those b/c they're often not-working junkers grossly overpriced but this one looked worth checking out. Sure enough, it was...
Wound and set super smoothly and ran like a top. Power reserve ended up being a little short, meaning it needed a service, but overall condition upon first inspection was great for its over seventy years of age.
Once I inspected I was intrigued by its inscription on the back.
Lt. Rankin
from
Enlisted Personnel
6 FA Brigade
I don't have my notes in front of me as I type this, but I believe the Sutton was introduced in 1937 and mine dates from 1938 IIRC. I haven't done any serious research on Rankin beyond a quick google, but I presume he was an officer in the 6th Field Artillery Brigade in the pre-war to early war period.
I bought the watch for a haggled $65 and then sent it off to Jack at IWW. I had it serviced and replaced the aftermarket metallic bracelet in poor condition with one of pigskin just like an OEM Hamilton strap of the era.
This is the watch I strapped on when I got my new Monarch Good Wear--fits perfect under an A-2 cuff. (I haven't gotten around to sourcing an A11 or other military pilot watch yet.)
It was languishing in a local antique/junk store when I noticed it in the case. I usually don't bother looking at those b/c they're often not-working junkers grossly overpriced but this one looked worth checking out. Sure enough, it was...
Wound and set super smoothly and ran like a top. Power reserve ended up being a little short, meaning it needed a service, but overall condition upon first inspection was great for its over seventy years of age.
Once I inspected I was intrigued by its inscription on the back.
Lt. Rankin
from
Enlisted Personnel
6 FA Brigade
I don't have my notes in front of me as I type this, but I believe the Sutton was introduced in 1937 and mine dates from 1938 IIRC. I haven't done any serious research on Rankin beyond a quick google, but I presume he was an officer in the 6th Field Artillery Brigade in the pre-war to early war period.
I bought the watch for a haggled $65 and then sent it off to Jack at IWW. I had it serviced and replaced the aftermarket metallic bracelet in poor condition with one of pigskin just like an OEM Hamilton strap of the era.
This is the watch I strapped on when I got my new Monarch Good Wear--fits perfect under an A-2 cuff. (I haven't gotten around to sourcing an A11 or other military pilot watch yet.)