100% Original 1940's Hamilton USN BuShips

You are looking at an all original 1940s (I believe it to be 1944, but could be incorrect) Hamilton 987a USN BuSips (United States Navy Bureau of Ships). There are a lot of “BuShip” watches out there, but very few are all original and authentic, and most are pieced together out of NOS parts that have turned up. While I personally don’t feel that there is ANYTHING wrong with that at all, I think it’s best to be upfront.

The case has most definitely seen service, as can be noticed by the pitting and brassing. Fortunately, the duvet cover is in tact, and the dial is still MAGNIFICENT. The original hands are also pretty nice, as is the crown. The crystal is like new.

The watch is running and keeping time quite well.

The strap is not original, but it is a NOS period correct two piece leather bracelet

The serial number on the movement is 0349075, Keystone Case number 253139

The watch measures:
31mm without crown
34.2mm with crown
38.5mm lug to lug
13mm thick
16mm lugs

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns

Movement:
Hamilton
17 Jewels
Grade 987A
U.S.A
O349075

In 1937, Hamilton dramatically refined their 6/0 movement, a new era in 6/0 models. The 987A was a dramatic improvement over the 987E. Bridge layout and many parts redesigned, "the first three 987 variants share virtually all of the same parts and you can swap parts from one grade to the other. However, the 987A is significantly different. It shares some of the same parts - mostly the gear train and the balance staff - but that's about it."

Case Back Signed:
USN
BUSHIPS
K-H-3

Hamilton
Keystone
Base Metal
253149

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.

Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-1903