Hamilton was based out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, founded in 1892. They made "better" watches—fully jeweled and above. Hamilton is my favorite brand, but I usually can't afford them.
I bought this as a young adult because I wanted a Hamilton pocket watch to go with a Hamilton wrist watch I had. It was pre-internet and my father used to get sale circulars from an antique watch seller, so I bought it that way. I think I paid $100 around 1990 for it.
This is a grade 974. It went to the finishing department on Feb 7, 1911. It's a size 16, 17-jewel, pendant wind, lever set movement set into an open-face case. I believe it's gold-rolled. One of 325,000 made.
This one's adjusted to three positions and adjusted for temperature, so it's a quality watch. Not quite railroad grade—it's not adjusted for enough positions and the Roman numerals make it fail. But it's close.
Regardless, it's beautiful. This is my weddings and funerals watch.
Acquired: purchased new by me around 1990
Circa: 1911
Current condition: runs fine