misaligned AGN in 10, 11 & 12 o'clock - very common

[QuartzCrisis]

I’ve noticed that often AGN in 10, 11 & 12 o'clock are misaligned. This seems to be common, I see multiple watches like that online. For example in below picture of two 1930s Custers:
- 1 and 2 are misaligned on the left watch, but fine on the right watch
- 1 and 0 are misaligned on the left watch, but fine on the right watch

Why is that? I doubt high quality Hamilton’s QC would let the watch to leave the factory like that. But somehow I don’t see that many Hamilton collectors are too concerned about the “issue” like that.

I would appreciate any knowledge on this topic. I’m not new to vintage watch collecting, but I know nothing about vintage Hamilton and I need you guys to help me to learn. Thank you!

[Nookster]

The 0 is on wrong is all, look at the one on the left, look how it's thick it's on the left side of the 0, vs. the right side. Just turn it around and it will line up.

I would assume the 2 in 12 got bent when it was taken off an refinished.

[afire]

I would appreciate any knowledge on this topic.

The following is pure speculation, not to be confused with actual knowledge. But one explanation that would explain the misalignment would be that perhaps the "0" on the left is upside down. Meaning, the mounting nibs are not symmetrical, so it seats differently upside down. For the 2, is it possible that the stand alone "2" and the "2" in "12" are not interchangeable, and seat differently due to the mounting nibs not being in the exact same positions? Also, I've seen AGN dials where the numerals are glued on after refinishing (and maybe that is actually the norm, not sure), in which case, it's not hard to see how they might not be perfectly positioned after a refinishing.

[Nookster]

I agree that the "2's" might be different. I am not near a dial and can't test that theory, but I know the 0 is upside down.

The 2 might be mangled as they are thin and bend easily, but would be cool if "quartz crisis" could change them and send new pics.

[QuartzCrisis]

I agree that the "2's" might be different. I am not near a dial and can't test that theory, but I know the 0 is upside down.

The 2 might be mangled as they are thin and bend easily, but would be cool if "quartz crisis" could change them and send new pics.

These watches don't belong to me. The picture was graciously provided to me by one of the forum members. I asked him for this picture because it's so perfect to explain the question I'm trying to learn about.

[Nookster]

It's a great question you brought up and I think we figured it out?

When I get back in town this weekend, I think I have a Custer dial I can play around with.

[QuartzCrisis]

It's a great question you brought up and I think we figured it out?

When I get back in town this weekend, I think I have a Custer dial I can play around with.

yes, and thank you so much! This forum is great for somebody like me who wants to learn.

Please let me know if you discover anything new once you have a chance to try your Custer dial.

thank you!

[Nookster]

Here is a Custer dial.

Photos 1&2 0's reversed and you can see the problem.

3rd photo is of the 2's swapped, they look the same to me.
The 0 normal

The 0 turned around

2's switched

[QuartzCrisis]

Thank you, Nookster! You've solved the mystery. Great pictures!