Hamilton 917 from 1956 with Box, Case, and Papers
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 17 jewels, a metal dial with golden indices, and an antimagnetic movement.
This piece is in our 44 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 17 jewels, a metal dial with golden indices, and an antimagnetic movement.
This piece is in our 44 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 17 jewels, a metal dial with golden indices, and an antimagnetic movement.
This piece is in our 44 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
Hamilton Watch Co. was in operation from 1892-1969 and manufactured some of the highest end, most accurate watches ever produced. Manufacturing of Hamilton watches took place at their facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
This might be the most historically significant timepiece we have ever worked on—a Hamilton 917 without a serial number. It has long been believed that production of the 917 ceased in 1954, as that was the year of the last recorded serial number. However, as Hamilton began transitioning its operations overseas to Switzerland, they continued producing the 917, albeit without serial numbers. This particular piece is likely among the final 917s ever manufactured by Hamilton in the United States, produced at their Lancaster, Pennsylvania facility around 1956. Without the original box, case, and papers, we would have assumed this was a manufacturing anomaly. Yet, the accompanying documentation and case clearly indicate that this watch was presented as a gift on February 29, 1956—two years after the last recorded serial number for the 917. This extraordinary timepiece marks the twilight of nearly two centuries of American watchmaking.
We converted this piece into our 44 mm pocket watch conversion, featuring adjustable lugs for a custom fit on various wrist sizes. The case is equipped with front, back, and crown gaskets, offering 50 meters of water resistance. However, we recommend removing the watch before engaging in water activities. The piece includes the original case, box, and papers. The case bears the inscription: “Presented to / William D. Colburn / Feb. 29, 1956 / By the Employees / of / Conn. Light & Power Co. / Willimantic, Conn.” The inside front cover of the accompanying papers contains additional handwritten details about the watch from 1956. Notably, the Connecticut Light & Power Company, referenced in the inscription, is now part of Eversource Energy. This watch is a remarkable artifact—a tangible connection to the end of an era in American horology.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 275 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Hamilton
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Year Manufactured: circa 1956
Dial Material: Metal
Jewels: 17 jewels
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 22 mm
Lug to Lug: 47 mm (52 mm with crown)
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: No serial numer
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.