<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheet of AMETEK, Inc. at June 30, 1996, and the
Consolidated Statement of Income of AMETEK, Inc. for the six months ended June
30, 1996, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           4,157
<SECURITIES>                                     7,939
<RECEIVABLES>                                  148,295
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,599
<INVENTORY>                                     97,604
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               268,723
<PP&E>                                         425,664
<DEPRECIATION>                                 245,816
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 547,727
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          214,370
<BONDS>                                        150,349
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           343
<OTHER-SE>                                     103,974
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   547,727
<SALES>                                        451,631
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               451,631
<CGS>                                          350,625
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  350,625
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                14,067
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   835
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               9,804
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 39,173
<INCOME-TAX>                                    13,990
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             25,183
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    25,183
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .77
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0