Hamilton Epperlein relationship

[Jet]

Hey guys,

In August Mark gifted me my grail watch, the Epperlein 100 electric prototype belonging to Jim Reese and tested at the Hamilton R&D lab in Lancaster, information on the Epperlein 100 is sparse and I’m putting together a booklet to go with this historic watch.

(I hope Jarrett doesn’t mind if I use his photos )

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Does anyone know anything more about the connection between Helmut epperlein and the Hamilton watch company? This was my grail watch so naturally special thanks to Mark who made my horological dream come true

any information or speculation appreciated!

Happy hunting boys
Jet

[Mugea]

Hi Jet,

probably, the following is known since long to Hamilton Electrics/Epperlein enthusiasts - but maybe not:

There are two US patents of Helmut Epperlin which were assigned to Hamilton. These are:

1/US patent No 3,059,412 filed in USPTO on 19th November 1958, patented 23. October 1962:

https://depatisnet.dpma.de/DepatisNet/d ... &xxxfull=1

2/ US Patent No 3,015,207 filed in USPTO on 9th January 1959, granted on 2nd Janauary 1962:

https://depatisnet.dpma.de/DepatisNet/d ... &xxxfull=1

Best regards

Martin

[Jet]

I’m writing up a little booklet Mugea and those patent documents serve as some of the art work, the best information I’ve happened across so far has been from Der Spiegel link below:

https://magazin.spiegel.de/EpubDelivery ... f/41761843

Unfortunately it seems we have no idea which production model is which given its many iterations with the same caliber designation, does anyone own or have any photos of the long coil type shown in the Der Spiegel Archive? I’ve yet to find any.

I translated the article to English, hopefully it’ll be ready to post shortly

[Nookster]

Enjoy it.

[Nookster]

Here is a great NOS Epperlin movement I obtained.

[Jet]

Here is a great NOS Epperlin movement I obtained.

Stunning Mark! They’re so seldom seen I’m blown away an nos uncased example even still exists. Was this one included with Hamilton factory materials you’ve acquired? I’d love to know the context that brought it to the United States as so few have made it over the pond.

I’m afraid the exact relationship between Hamilton and Epperlein may never be known but it’s quite the rush whenever such a beautiful piece such as this nos movement are finally brought to light!

-Jet

[Nookster]

Got it from Dr T on the east coast.

[Jet]

I’ll reiterate, An absolutely stunning movement Mark! I’m extremely envious though I have no right to be. There’s even a few on the swamp (EBay) as of now (6/20/22) I’m delighted to see that there seems to be a resurgence of these watches and I’m proud to own two myself.

You once gifted me an example, and ever since it’s been my absolute favorite watch of all time. I’ll be forever in your debt! However I’d be happy to return it if you decide you want to collect them, as my health is beginning to fail me. Better than it winding up with the nawcc after all!

Let’s hope through this forum and the wonderful references we’ve collected that these watches get to experience the recognition and esteem they were wrongfully denied at their initial release.

My running Epperlein keeps +\- 1 second a day since being serviced by the Guru himself Jarret Harkness. Aside from quartz watches, it is the most accurate watch I own. In my humble and biased opinion it is a far superior design to the Hamilton 505!

Thanks again for adding to the compendium of knowledge of these wonderful little machines!

-Jet