Today's offering showcases this iconic and very collectable Hamilton "Otis" reverso. These were innovative watches with a fascinating history.
Born from the need for a watch rugged enough to survive the rigors of a polo match without damage, the Reverso embodies form in the service of function. Using Alred Chauvot's groundbreaking reversible case design, Hamilton offered the watch only in their 1938, 1939, and 1940 catalogs.
In their catalog, Hamilton printed this about the Otis: "Exclusively Hamilton, this smartly designed strap watch ingeniously fulfills its double duty in a practical foolproof manner. Slight pressure from the side, a flip of the finger - and the watch locks firmly into reversed position."
Despite the claim of "exclusively Hamilton," the patent rights to produce watches with the historically important Chauvot design were also claimed by JLC, so production of the Otis lasted only three years.
Our Otis has Hamilton parts down to the dial, hands, and even signed period correct solid 14K gold signed Hamilton buckle, with the only exception being the winding crown. Although generally believed to have been offered with the black or silver dials, this is the fourth Reverso that we have been able to find with this beautiful salmon dial and silver tone Breguet numerals and hands. The dial finish is original.
The watch was presented for "Sales Leadership in the 1939 Hellsapoppin Contest" by "The Studebaker Corporation - Paul G. Hoffman, President."
One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center, has just fully serviced it which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine parts, installing a correct new mainspring, adjusting the hairspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing, testing and regulation (a $495 value). It is running strong and true.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Hamilton Watch Co.:
The Hamilton Watch Co., America's most iconic vintage watch firm, built treasured timepieces that are still cherished by many today. During their peak years, which lasted from the 30's into the 60's, the Pennsylvania establishment developed a reputation for innovation and quality, creating some of the finest American made wristwatches.
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Manufacturer: Hamilton
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Country of origin: United States
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Serial no.: G203432
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Year made: 1938-1939
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Year sold: 1939
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Model: Otis
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Case material: 14K gold filled
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Case markings (under the movement case): U.S. Pat. 1,930,416, Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, PA., 14K Gold Filled, S&W, and inside of the movement case Hamilton W. Co., Lancaster, PA., 14K Gold Filled, 412,987
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Case markings (outside): "Awarded to J.E. Carroll For Sales Leadership in the 1939 Hellsapoppin Contest - The Studebaker Corporation - Paul G. Hoffman, President."
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Case condition: Very good honest original condition gold wear on the high points of the part of the case that flips
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Dial: Salmon, signed Hamilton, silver toned peripheral seconds, outer minute track, original finish with only light aging
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Dimensions: 24mm wide (without crown), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
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Hands: Original, "lances"
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Movement type: Hamilton Grade 982
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Movement markings: Hamilton, U.S.A, 17 Jewels, 982
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Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
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Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn, equipped with period correct solid 14K Hamilton buckle
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Crystal: Mineral glass, excellent condition
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Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center, has just fully serviced it which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine parts, installing a correct new mainspring, adjusting the hairspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing, testing and regulation (a $495 value).
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Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
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Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
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Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
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Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
We offer a 100%
satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way
unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime
within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our
client's expectations throughout the buying experience.
All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially
constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All
watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic
shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail,
and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier.
International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.
The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any
required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and
taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.
Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be
guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not
recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed
to be waterproof.