1929 Catalog Description
Man's Strap Model
A model much favored by sportsmen due to its stocky, compact appearance. Fitted with 17 jewel movement in green or white filled gold, engraved $57.00; plain, $55.00. In 14K gold engraved, $87.00; plain $85.00
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Production Date: 1927 - 1930
Price when new: $55.00
Case: Green 14K Gold-filled
Case Manufacturer: Fahys
Production: 3,856
Movement: 987 - 17-jewel Movement
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Comments: The Barrel was a fairly common style with Illinois, Elgin and Waltham selling similar models. Hamilton sought to distinguish the Barrel from the competition by emphasizing the quality of the movement. As with all Hamilton watches, only 17-jewel movements were utilized, unlike the competition which utilized 7 or 15-jewel movements.
This model was one of six geometrically shaped wristwatches that were popular up until the late 1920's. Hamilton's "Geometric" offerings spanned ten years - beginning in 1917 with the 0-sized Cushion and ending in 1927 with the Oval. Included in the geometric models are the Cushion (0-sized, Cushion Round and Cushion Form Opening), the Square, Barrel, Tonneau, Rectangular, and Oval.
The Barrel Plain was also available in a rare two-tone variation.