"How a Hamilton Watch Deserves
to be Treated"
-Excerpt from Hamilton's "The Timekeeper"
circa 1920s
The following is some what
dated, but most of which still holds true today. It not only
holds true for Hamilton pocket watches, but for nearly all of
the antique American pocket watches. In the day this was written,
most jewelers employed qualified watchmakers. Also, the animal
oils they used were not as advanced as the synthetic lubricants
used today, which extends the Cleaning
and Oiling interval to 3 to 5 years, depending on use.
"The best way to
carry a watch is on a "T" chain
in your vest pocket, just as your grandfather carried his. But
whatever style of chain you wear, the main point is to keep the
watch in a secure place and where it will not be knocked every
time you make a move.
"See that
your watch pocket is free from dirt
and lint. Avoid opening the back of the case,
and when you do let it be in a place where there is no dust or
moisture.
"Ask
the jeweler....
"If anything
is the matter with your timekeeper, do not try to put it in order
yourself or meddle with the works, but show it to your jeweler
at once. All jewelers know the Hamilton and if a part is broken
they are sure to have an interchangeable part with which to replace
it. All Hamilton parts are standardized. It is well to insist
on genuine Hamilton material.
"It is better,
too, to let a jeweler set your watch. He charges nothing for this
service and is always glad to render it.
"Best results
are obtained by winding your watch at a regular hour, preferably
in the morning, say when you sit down to breakfast. By doing so
you better prepare your watch for the jolting of daytime use.
"Your watch
is better off in your pocket at night than under a pillow. In
fact, if it holds the same position it had in the daytime, the
pocket is the best place for a watch. There is always danger that
if put under a pillow it will be dropped on the floor in some
unguarded moment.
"Cleaning
and Oiling....
"Ask a jeweler
to look at your timekeeper about every eighteen months as it should
be cleaned and oiled at least once in that time. If possible go
to the man who sold it to you as he is always interested in its
performance.
"The jeweler
who sells Hamilton expects to give with it Hamilton service. He
will gladly adjust the watch to your personal habits and see that
it keeps time for you in a satisfactory manner.
"The
Guarantee....
"The personal
guarantee made by the Hamilton Watch Company is made also by the
jeweler from whom you buy. This guarantee is nothing less than
complete satisfaction to you, which is the broadest
possible guarantee."
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