1920 956 Pocket Watch

I've been on a pocket watch kick lately and have posted several that have been waiting in the wings for several years.

My latest one is a 1920 956 model.  The 956 is an interesting caliber.  It was introduced in 1914 and produced through 1924.  By 1925 the variety of 16 size pocket watches decreased considerably.  The popularity of pocket watches was giving way to wrist watches, unless you needed a railroad watch... you could get those all the way through 1969.

The 956 was the entry-level 16 size model for Hamilton, or should I say, the "moderate priced" model.  It was cased by Hamilton in various cases and different dial options were available too.  You can see the catalog snip shows dial pattern no. 8.

The 1923 catalog broke down the differences between the various 16 size models, starting with the 23 jewel 950, which is a beautiful watch.

The 992 was the entry-level railroad-approved model.  You purchased the movement only and your jeweler would case it for you.  It's not unusual to find 992 movements in very basic cases as a "working man's watch" or cased in very fine cases.  The 952 was typically cased in solid gold or very heavy gold filled cases.

The 956 (above) was also sold cased by Hamilton.  It was a the least adjusted model - plenty accurate but not adjusted to 6 position, temperature, isochronism, et. 

The next step up from the 956 would be the 974, then the 978 and finally, the 972.  The 972 was approved for some local rail lines.

The catalog describes the functions of lever set, or pendant set.  Lever set involves a small lever on the side of the dial that you slide out to move the watch into the time-setting position.  Pendant set uses a stem sleeve in the case that allows you to pull the crown out to the time setting position and then you push it back in to the winding position.  The 956 was pendant set only.

I've had my project watch for many years.  In fact, I saw that my mark inside said I serviced it in 2012 - hard to believe that's 14 years ago.  You can see it has a No. 3 dial.

I don't know if this is the original case but it's an interesting design.  You unscrew the bezel to reveal the dial, then pull the crown out to the setting position and the movement hinges outward to reveal the inside of the case and back of the movement.

The movement is ticking away and looks pretty clean for being 14 years since the last overhaul.  The enamel in the lettering is missing, I'll re-enamel it after it's been cleaned.

Three screws on the side of the movement hold the dial on.

The microgliss lubricant I put on the clutch, etc. is a bit yellow and gelled.  Time to replace it.  Pendant set movements are also called negative set.  Notice the clutch is in the time setting position.  It requires the case to go into the winding position.

Everything is cleaned, dried, and ready to be put back together.

I added black enamel to the lettering so now you can read the details better.  At this point I can put the movement into the case and use the crown to wind up the mainspring.  Then when I reinstall the balance it should start ticking.

With the dial out of the way and crown pulled out, notice the clutch is in the setting position.

When I push the crown in the clutch is moved toward the winding pinion.  Now when I turn the crown the watch will wind.

The movement comes back out of the case and I can drop the balance into place.... voila - it starts ticking.

It's ticking away a little fast but a quick adjustment will slow it down.

Now I can put the crown and the rest of the keyless works in place.  Last on will be the dial and hands.

I cleaned up the case too and now this 106 year old gem is ready for pocket-time.  Wrist watches are fun, they are relatively loud tickers, especially when you have several of them sitting together.