'The 9812 Basics'
You've perused Hamilton's website & stalked timepiece forums to no avail. It looks and feels expensive but garners no respect -'so what's this weirdo watch anyway?'
After 77 years in 1969 a Swiss conglomerate merged with the Hamilton brand and soon thereafter became a part of Swatch. Along with Hamilton's innovation and highly accurate precision Quartz Swiss movements, the company established a business unit to produce custom corporate award timepieces, and presentation watch specialty runs for commercial clients. Quantities of production for each dial (face) variety, though likely small, are unknown. Some 'limited edition' and serialized products do exist and therefore can garner higher collector market prices due to known scarcity.
The 9812 design was produced in the early 1980's through around 2000 with dozens of custom dial designs in a ultra slim 6mm x 34mm weather resistant stainless case, leather strap, standard Hamilton box and warranty. The movement is all Hamilton Swiss, however the cases are manufactured in Hong Kong, and assembled in union labor shops at Lancaster, PA USA or the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are often plated in gold and fitted with black leather straps or Spiedel bracelet bands. The crystal quality and overall watch assembly are excellent. Battery type is a 371 silver oxide with approximately 2 years of service life and the movement is the Swiss made ETA 980.163
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Greyhound 25 Years of Service
Greyhound 25 years of service c. 1985
Ask $64.99 3/20/ 2016 artaurora (ebay handle) Auburn, NY USA.
Good condition w/ box and papers. Nicks & missing goldtone
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Al Bahr Limited Edition / Murat
Al Bahr Dial Engraved k. K. 028/250
2016 TeraPeak Auction Reference.
fine condition, no box or papers w/ Lizard Skin Band
Murat #1 dial variant. Fair condition - runnig
Ask $48 6/3/16 via (ebay handle: love-k.ru) St. Petersberg, Russia Fed.
Leather band, gold face
Thursday, March 17, 2016
National Security Agency United States of America
National Security Agency United States of America
Eagle Shield 'Hamilton Artcraft' no date window
Last known example: 7/2011 Fine Condition, No box
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Ephrata Area School District, Lancaster PA
Ephrata Area School District, Lancaster County, PA USA
Ask $28.39 3/13/16 viapontiki1 (ebay handle) Saddleworth, Lancashire, U.K.
Fine condition, no box or papers
Note: Lancaster, PA is the original assembly home of Hamilton watches prior to
merger with Swiss conglomerate. Lancaster, PA and U.S. Virgin Islands continued
to maintain Union shops for final assembly of the 9812 throughout its production.
National Association of Letter Carriers
National Association of Letter Carriers, Union dial
Ask 99 cents, 3/15/16 deltarestore (ebay handle) Delta, CO U.S.A.
Good condition but reported 'not working' with Box and Papers, ca. 1995+
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Texaco Filling Station
Texaco Filling Station , Limited edition 5000 serialized
2/25/16 (Lot sale of several items) sold $13.99 greenthirteen (ebay handle)
Fine w/ light scratches box and papers (no serial number disclosed)
Heirloom watch sold around 1983 at 129.95 by the Custom Group in New Jersey
Labels:
Box,
collectors,
corporate,
Oil,
serialized,
Texaco
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Teamsters Horses Wheel IBTCSHA AFL
Teamsters - International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen and Helpers of America
2/20/16 ask $89 kkostov (ebay handle) Chicago, IL USA Model: 9812U Known Date: 2002
Fine no box or papers. Retirement award from Local 705 IBT Pension Fund
Steamfitters UA 420 / Pipefitters 1889 Oak Leaf dial variants
( please excuse photo quality)
Known Steamfitters 420 face.
Known 1889 face w/ Hamilton noted on top ca. 1990, Leather band
United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States. Hamilton Artcraft dial # 9812U ca. mid/late 90's
4/14/16 Ask $20.99 Blueprinter1995 (ebay handle), Richmond, VA USA.
Virgin Island assembly stamp reverse, Good condition w/ Box, Speidel band
Hostess
Hostess Branded known example, 8/14/15 Ask
$99.99
317pachanga (ebay handle), Indianapolis, IN USA
Good
condition no box or papers. Approximate build date 1997-8
Masonic Scottish Right Emblem
Masonic Scottish Right Southern
Jurisdiction Emblem AASR SJ
11/11/15 sold $31.99 garagesalemonkeyca
(ebay handle) Yucca Valley, CA USA
fine no box or papers. Diamond at 12 o'clock
3/2/16 ask $175.00 charles1938 (ebay handle) Henrico, VA USA
good condition, scratches no box or papers
4/26/16 ask $95.00 alfhov-fknwnzfu {ebay handle) Glendale, CA USA
Fine condition, 2 pt. Diamond at 12 o'clock no box
3/2/16 ask $175.00 charles1938 (ebay handle) Henrico, VA USA
good condition, scratches no box or papers
4/26/16 ask $95.00 alfhov-fknwnzfu {ebay handle) Glendale, CA USA
Fine condition, 2 pt. Diamond at 12 o'clock no box
Collegiate Basketball Officials Association CBOA
Collegiate Basketball Officials
Association
1/16/16 ask $20.00, clubpauly (ebay handle) Revere, MA
USA
No Box or papers, Assume very good condition
Labels:
basket,
Basketball,
CBOA,
Collegiate,
Officials,
Union
Golden Boy AT&T Communications Statue
Known 'Golden Boy' AT&T
Communications statue.
sold 5/26/15 $36.50 timeman21 (ebay handle) Westmont, IL USA
Fine condition, no engravings
or date window. Approx. build date 1995-98
Labels:
AT&T,
ATT,
Communications,
gold,
Golden Boy,
Goldenboy,
statue
Aeromechanics
( please excuse low resolution picture )
Aero Mechanics 3/15/15 ask $755
golo_ivan88 (ebay handle), Chula Vista,CA
no box or papers, good
condition.
Yellow Freight 10 Year Safe Worker
Yellow (Freight) 10 Year Safe Worker
3/2/16 ask $155.00 watchmanca (ebay handle) California, USA
Known Date: 2000 Fine Condition, no box or papers
UTU United Transportation Union
UTU (United Transportation Union)
sold 12/20/15 $45 cfcona (ebay handle) Stafford, VA USA
Very good, no box
or papers Known date 1985
International Association Iron and Bridge Workers
International Association Iron and
Bridge Workers Union
Sold 1/16/16 $65.00 classone (ebay handle)
Fresno, CA USA
Fine w/ box and papers. Later edition around 1998 end
of run for 9812U marked case
Older case style approx c. 1985 black lettering
Ask 4/1/16 $64.95 usalovemanar (ebay handle) Corona, CA USA
Fair condition no box or papers. Leather strap
Circa 1980's case Date face w/ speidel band
Ask $19.99 5/5/16 volley8686 (ebay handle) Anaheim, CA USA
Fair condition, no box, papers or battery
Older case style approx c. 1985 black lettering
Ask 4/1/16 $64.95 usalovemanar (ebay handle) Corona, CA USA
Fair condition no box or papers. Leather strap
Ask $19.99 5/5/16 volley8686 (ebay handle) Anaheim, CA USA
Fair condition, no box, papers or battery
Labels:
9812U,
Association,
Box,
Bridge,
Iron,
Ornamental,
Structural,
Union
International Union of Operating Engineers IUOE
International Union of Operating
Engineers
sold $39.95 1/16/16 coop1523 (ebay
handle), Poughkeepsie, NY
Labels:
9812U,
back,
Engineers,
gold,
IUOE,
shaking hands,
Union,
Virgin Islands
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers (IBEW)
3/3/2016, Ask $50 drmad1969 (ebay handle) Columbus, OH USA
No Box or papers. Good condition w/ scratches
America's Largest RV Company FLEETWOOD
America's Largest RV Company FLEETWOOD
3/3/2016, Ask $120 nite_flite_time (ebay handle) California, USA
Reported Date '2000' with green hang tag. No Box or papers. Fine
International Union of Operating Engineers 45 years Centennial Edition
International Union of Operating Engineers 45 years Local 150, 3/3/2016 Ask $99.99
the4robs (ebay handle) Schererville, IN USA
Known Date: 1997 Near Mint w/ Box – light case wear.
Note: Backs of this era feature a copyright symbol next to the Hamilton name followed by a 9812 outside. Boxes feature Old English type font of larger Hamilton name on lining next to a crest.
Centennial Edition International Union of
Operating Engineers 1896-1996,
sold 2/7/16 $58.95 Fine. S7990 (ebay handle) Ocala, FL USA.
No Box or
papers. Known Date:1996 Serial #
00964
Note: Known 9818 model # change in 1998 variants with this same design.
APWU American Postal Workers Union AFL-CIO
APWU (American Postal Workers
Union AFL-CIO) 3/2/2016 $70 ask
eebxjewelry (ebay handle) Eerie, Pennsylvania USA
Near mint no box.
Intl. Chemical Workers Union AFL-CIO
3/2/2016 Int. Chemical Workers Union AFL-CIO
joelpaez0323 (ebay handle) ask $199 Homosassa, FL USA
Near Mint w/ Box
Aladdin, Palestine Masonic faces
Aladdin Masonic 3/2/2016 ask $80
repaskygoldandsilver (ebay handle), Columbus, OH USA
Condition Used Fine, no box. serialized #093/500
repaskygoldandsilver (ebay handle), Columbus, OH USA
Condition Used Fine, no box. serialized #093/500
Known face variant – Palestine
Shriner 6/6/11
Auction Price Unknown
Mint no box
Known face variant - Rajah (no current photo)
Auction Price Unknown
Mint no box
Known face variant - Rajah (no current photo)
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Values? - I don' need no steeking values
To butcher a turn of a famous quote from the movie 'The Treasure of Sierra Madre', I feel it is important to take a stab at the most queried question about Hamilton 9812's and that is 'WHAT ARE THEY WORTH'?
Well to be honest - 'I don't know' or maybe an even better hackneyed retort 'Whatever somebody will pay' is the most accurate response I can offer. I have seen 9812's sell for under $20 to well over $200 depending on the condition, whether they have an imprinted serialized case, a unique highly detailed dial design, and exceptional documented provenance that is in high demand.
As a collectible, the watches generally offer a price point that most can take advantage of without breaking the bank unlike Rolex, Tag and the other elite brands. Typically these Hammy's become part of a collection of many varied objects centered around a corporate logo, brand, or theme. Since they were typically only produced for a short time and small corporate-specific runs, scarcity is an issue for some logos and dial types. In any given month you may find several 9812's available for sale but the odds that you will find a SPECIFIC 9812 design is fairly rare. So if you are unwilling to wait or don't have time to hunt a known example down, expect to pay considerably more to get what you want, when you want it.
In general terms, MOST of the time a generic 9812 in reasonable condition (a few scratches, not mint, no box etc.) with a basic logo dial and replacement band will cost $15 - $70. Obviously more documentation, provenance on why it was awarded and to whom, mint with advertising, box, warranty card - you know the drill - expect prices to easily exceed your hopes to the tune of $200 - $300. Note that in ALL examples, the movements are nearly identical. As simply a watch, the 9812 is a very attractive and excellent quartz, well constructed timekeeper.
-Will
Well to be honest - 'I don't know' or maybe an even better hackneyed retort 'Whatever somebody will pay' is the most accurate response I can offer. I have seen 9812's sell for under $20 to well over $200 depending on the condition, whether they have an imprinted serialized case, a unique highly detailed dial design, and exceptional documented provenance that is in high demand.
As a collectible, the watches generally offer a price point that most can take advantage of without breaking the bank unlike Rolex, Tag and the other elite brands. Typically these Hammy's become part of a collection of many varied objects centered around a corporate logo, brand, or theme. Since they were typically only produced for a short time and small corporate-specific runs, scarcity is an issue for some logos and dial types. In any given month you may find several 9812's available for sale but the odds that you will find a SPECIFIC 9812 design is fairly rare. So if you are unwilling to wait or don't have time to hunt a known example down, expect to pay considerably more to get what you want, when you want it.
In general terms, MOST of the time a generic 9812 in reasonable condition (a few scratches, not mint, no box etc.) with a basic logo dial and replacement band will cost $15 - $70. Obviously more documentation, provenance on why it was awarded and to whom, mint with advertising, box, warranty card - you know the drill - expect prices to easily exceed your hopes to the tune of $200 - $300. Note that in ALL examples, the movements are nearly identical. As simply a watch, the 9812 is a very attractive and excellent quartz, well constructed timekeeper.
-Will
Why this website?
Like many that may eventually find themselves here, I just could not find any information about a unique dial Hamilton watch that I purchased sight unseen from a Petroliana collector. Of course the Hamilton name is legendary among innovative American watch companies which meant ordinarily very expensive timepieces.
But THAT was not the case for the 9812. I researched, asked questions of even established watch forums and Hamilton geeks but details were hard to come-by. Every other watch that looked similar WAS different and even the slim profile automatics that Hamilton is so famous for looked right but of course had no quartz movements.
So this is a work in progress. It is a resource for ALL of us who like to compare, show-off, share a story of how they came by their 'Hammy 9812's and any information of who sold them, what they cost, what their value was and is etc. etc. While we all understand these watches will never command the respect or over-the-top collector pricing of better known brands, the 9812 still deserves a nod to its simple slim lines, quality construction, and amazingly beautiful and varied custom dials that we all have come to love.
Feel free to send me pics and/or stories with permission to share and I will post any vetted content that comes my way. I will cull what I can find and post 9812 dial designs as I find them with references back to owner. I do not own any photos so if you don't wish your data and/or photos included, just drop me a line and I will remove it from the blog index.
If content eventually proves worthy, we can add a 'classified' section to post 'want's n' found's' for those who are searching for specific corporate or union branded watches or documentation of a presentation award etc. While sales and marketing are always a reality, the focus on this site is mostly to link-up resources and expand the general knowledge of a rather unique chapter in a luxury watchmaker's history. Enjoy!
-Will
But THAT was not the case for the 9812. I researched, asked questions of even established watch forums and Hamilton geeks but details were hard to come-by. Every other watch that looked similar WAS different and even the slim profile automatics that Hamilton is so famous for looked right but of course had no quartz movements.
So this is a work in progress. It is a resource for ALL of us who like to compare, show-off, share a story of how they came by their 'Hammy 9812's and any information of who sold them, what they cost, what their value was and is etc. etc. While we all understand these watches will never command the respect or over-the-top collector pricing of better known brands, the 9812 still deserves a nod to its simple slim lines, quality construction, and amazingly beautiful and varied custom dials that we all have come to love.
Feel free to send me pics and/or stories with permission to share and I will post any vetted content that comes my way. I will cull what I can find and post 9812 dial designs as I find them with references back to owner. I do not own any photos so if you don't wish your data and/or photos included, just drop me a line and I will remove it from the blog index.
If content eventually proves worthy, we can add a 'classified' section to post 'want's n' found's' for those who are searching for specific corporate or union branded watches or documentation of a presentation award etc. While sales and marketing are always a reality, the focus on this site is mostly to link-up resources and expand the general knowledge of a rather unique chapter in a luxury watchmaker's history. Enjoy!
-Will
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