<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF AMETEK, INC. AT MARCH 31, 1997, AND THE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME OF AMETEK, INC. FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                           2,841
<SECURITIES>                                     7,702
<RECEIVABLES>                                  145,770
<ALLOWANCES>                                     5,592
<INVENTORY>                                     93,257
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               262,143
<PP&E>                                         447,213
<DEPRECIATION>                                 259,073
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 545,161
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          187,458
<BONDS>                                        150,270
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           342
<OTHER-SE>                                     136,071
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   545,161
<SALES>                                        221,176
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               221,176
<CGS>                                          169,456
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  169,456
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 7,022
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   322
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,511
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 21,641
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,975
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             13,666
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    13,666
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.42
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0