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.
Manufactured in 1944 at the height of World War II, this Hamilton 4992B AN5740-1 was built in direct partnership with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a purpose-engineered navigation instrument. Unlike civilian pocket watches of the era, the 4992B was designed from the ground up to meet strict military specifications, serving as a vital tool for pilots and navigators calculating position and course on long-range missions. Its 22-jewel movement features a hacking seconds mechanism—an essential function for precise time synchronization across aircraft formations—and is adjusted to six positions and temperature for exceptional accuracy in the field. Every critical component of the movement was carefully hand-restored in our workshop: the plates were meticulously cleaned and revived, jewel settings were individually polished to bring back their original golden hue, and the balance and balance weights were refinished to their factory luster, creating striking contrast against the nickel-finished bridges. All visible elements remain original, including the hands, dial, and case. The matte black military dial, printed with bold white Arabic numerals and a 24-hour inner track, offers high-contrast legibility under low-light conditions, while the original spade and whip hands retain their distinctive factory finish. Housed in its original nickel-silver case engraved with the military issue designation “AN5740-1,” this piece represents one of the most historically significant American timepieces ever produced. Fully serviced and mechanically restored, it is ready for a new chapter—whether displayed in a collection or carried as a piece of living history.
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: Sweeping seconds
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Hamilton Watch Company
Partnership: US Military during WWII
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Year Manufactured: 1944
Dial Material: Metal
Movement Setting: Stem
Jewels: 22 jewels
Jewel Casings: Brass (hand restored)
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
Case Diameter: 50 mm
Height: 14 mm
Original Case Included: Yes, military issued
Serial Number: 7865078
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.