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Student of the obvious
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 7,714
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I am thrilled! Just got my dad's old Hamilton watch...
When my dad passed away, my older brother suggested that he was going to pass my dad's 14K/Diamond Hamilton to my other brother. I strongly protested this as the brother who was to receive the watch had a lifelong habit of pawning anything he ever had of value. In an effort to maintain peace in the family I chose to resist the temptation of making a lot of noise about it. My older brother pointed out that I had several family heirlooms and the other brother had virtually none. Fine. I tried to put it out of my mind.
Without going into the sad details, the brother who was to receive the watch passed away a few days ago after an extended illness. My older brother, two sisters and I traveled to NC for the funeral. It suddenly hit me that the watch may still be around. Turns out my older brother had come to his senses and held on to the watch... which he gave to me yesterday. What a relief that this watch didn't get pawned or sold and is safe in my hands! Anyone know when it was made? No one in my family knew for sure when dad bought it. It looks a lot nicer in person than in the photos:     
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Lee |
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01-22-2008, 08:17 AM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: N. Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 28,977
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I have my Fathers watch that is much like this one. Still wear it from time to time and think of him when its on my arm. Glad that you got it.
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2021 Subaru Legacy, 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (the workhorse), 1992 Jaguar XJ S-3 V-12 VDP (one of only 100 examples made), 1969 Jaguar XJ (been in the family since new), 1985 911 Targa backdated to 1973 RS specs with a 3.6 shoehorned in the back, 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (former SCCA H-Prod), 1995 BMW R1100RSL, 1971 & '72 BMW R75/5 "Toaster," Ural Tourist w/sidecar, 1949 Aeronca Sedan / QB |
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01-22-2008, 09:24 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Linn County, Oregon
Posts: 48,794
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A hamilton expert can be found here:
http://www.antiquevintagewatches.com/ Hope you enjoy your vintage Hamilton as much as Cindy enjoys hers... 
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"Now, to put a water-cooled engine in the rear and to have a radiator in the front, that's not very intelligent." -Ferry Porsche (PANO, Oct. '73) (I, Paul D. have loved this quote since 1973. It will remain as long as I post here.) |
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01-22-2008, 09:29 AM
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Student of the obvious
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 7,714
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Thanks Paul... using a chart on the web site I was able to narrow down the age quite a bit.
The production range for this particular movement was 1934-1951. However, the serial number is on the higher side suggesting it was newer rather than older.
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Lee |
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01-22-2008, 09:56 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Linn County, Oregon
Posts: 48,794
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Glad I could help...Cindy's watch is a 1957 ladies Hamilton...diamonds, gold case & band. Used to be her mother's...a goldsmith was able to replace missing band links, a local here serviced the movement, sent the face off to be refinished, etc. All this probably cost more than the watch is worth...but the sentimental value is worth more. It keeps great time...but like the website suggests, these are for "special occasion" wear...not day to day.
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"Now, to put a water-cooled engine in the rear and to have a radiator in the front, that's not very intelligent." -Ferry Porsche (PANO, Oct. '73) (I, Paul D. have loved this quote since 1973. It will remain as long as I post here.) |
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01-22-2008, 10:06 AM
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Student of the obvious
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 7,714
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Yeah... I can't see ever wearing this one. I wouldn't risk losing it. I have a couple of other watches that belonged to my father that I do wear on occaision. Interesting that ladies vintage watches don't have the value of men's watches.
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Lee |
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01-22-2008, 10:18 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Linn County, Oregon
Posts: 48,794
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I found that interesting as well...but Cindy's happy, so the $ spent in fixing this one were worth it. She'll wear it on special days, when we go out to dinner, etc. Really, you might consider doing the same with you dad's watch.
They really are a form of art, watches designed during the "deco" era, and yours looks to be a fine example...even the original case!
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"Now, to put a water-cooled engine in the rear and to have a radiator in the front, that's not very intelligent." -Ferry Porsche (PANO, Oct. '73) (I, Paul D. have loved this quote since 1973. It will remain as long as I post here.) |
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01-22-2008, 11:56 AM
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19 years and 17k posts...
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I have a watch very similar to that one (beautiful watch, BTW). Mine is rose (pink gold and my wife purchased it at a local mom&pop jewelry store in our hometown that found it in the backroom and she gave it to me 21 years ago as a wedding gift. It's NOS ans was mfg'd in the 40's and was appraised after I received it ($3k). My watch is a Bulova Presidential, but it looks very similar to your Hamilton. I keep it in my safe with my guns and I wear it on special occasions only as it's not shockproof...
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Art Zasadny 1974 Porsche 911 Targa "Helga" (Sold, back home in Germany) Learning the bass guitar Driving Ford company cars now... www.ford.com |
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01-22-2008, 03:35 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 4,362
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Very nice - good for you! My Grandmother left me my Grandfather's retirement watch. A 48 Hamilton. Keeps perfect time. It was loved as you can see by the wear. It's too small for my wrist, but my wife adores it. She collects vintage watches.
 I'll send it out and have it cleaned up. |
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01-23-2008, 06:34 AM
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MazdaSpeed3
