Hamilton 400
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When Hamilton bought the Illinois Watch Company, the continued most of the Illinois models that were selling well. In the case of the prestige 12 size watches, they did not continue the Illini line, but rather re-labeled it as the Grade 400. This watch was marketed as the Hamilton Tycoon and was advertised as appearing only in factory cased 14K, 18K and Platinum cases. Apparently General Motors had enough influence with Hamilton to secure this example in an enameled gold filled case. It seems remarkable that they would not have used a gold case since the cost of the 4 color enamel work must have been substantial and would likely have been less expensive if done on gold than on gold filled material. The Grade 400 like the Illinois grade 528 Illini has gold wheels in the train. It also has a patent regulator and the cap jewel setting on the escape wheel is screwed in from below.
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