{"product_id":"the-lancaster-142-43mm","title":"The Lancaster 142 (43mm)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat Makes The Lancaster 142 Unique:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Lancaster 142 represents the closing chapter of America's golden age of pocket watch manufacturing. Built around a 17-jewel Hamilton Grade 917 movement produced in 1949, this watch comes from a period when Hamilton had perfected decades of precision watchmaking before the widespread adoption of wristwatches permanently shifted the industry. While earlier Hamilton movements earned their reputation on the rails, this refined Grade 917 reflects the company's postwar commitment to dependable, beautifully finished everyday timepieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first thing that captures attention is the clean champagne dial, whose understated vertical brushed finish allows every design element to stand on its own. Warm gilt Arabic numerals rise subtly from the dial, pairing beautifully with the matching gilt hands to create a rich contrast against the silver backdrop. At six o'clock, the recessed subsidiary seconds register features crisp black printing and a concentric finish that adds depth without distracting from the balanced overall design. The combination of the warm bronze bezel, champagne dial, and black strap creates a timeless aesthetic that feels equally at home today as it did over seventy-five years ago.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurning the watch over reveals one of Hamilton's most recognizable late-era American movements. The Grade 917 features a distinctive nickel finish decorated with broad Geneva striping, sharply snailed winding wheels, and Hamilton's signature movement architecture. Collectors will immediately appreciate the elegant simplicity of the movement's layout, where every bridge and wheel is arranged with purpose rather than ornamentation. Marked \"Adjusted 3 Positions,\" the movement was factory-regulated to maintain reliable accuracy across multiple carrying positions, a meaningful upgrade that demonstrated Hamilton's continued emphasis on precision even in non-railroad grades. The 17 synthetic ruby jewels reduce friction throughout the gear train, while the exposed balance assembly showcases the precise mechanical heartbeat that has kept this movement running for generations. Produced during Hamilton's twelfth production run of the Grade 917, this movement represents the culmination of one of the company's longest-running and most successful pocket watch calibers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHousing this movement is Vortic's 43mm Lancaster case, precision-machined from American-made 316L stainless steel with a matte sandblasted finish that complements the movement's industrial heritage. A matching sandblasted bronze bezel introduces warmth and character that will continue to develop a unique patina over time, while the black Cordovan leather strap provides a refined contrast and exceptional durability. Together, these modern American-made components preserve the legacy of a Hamilton movement that has already stood the test of time, ensuring it will continue measuring moments for generations to come.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vortic Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52364076712237,"sku":null,"price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1710\/0345\/files\/1_6ea932ff-deb5-40b9-b33d-129e25408c29.png?v=1789161015","url":"https:\/\/vorticwatches.mom\/products\/the-lancaster-142-43mm","provider":"Vortic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}