Vintage Hamilton Platinum & Palladium Diamond Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies vintage Hamilton platinum and palladium diamond wristwatch.
Category
20th Century Art Nouveau Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Palladium, Platinum
Hamilton Vintage Watches
Vintage 1940s Hamilton 4.50 Carat Diamond Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant, Baguette, and Single cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 4.50 carats. Signed by Hamilton Circa 1940s Size 6 inches
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 7.50ct Diamond Hamilton Cover Watch Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
This is a lovely platinum diamond cover watch bracelet from the 1950s. The watch bracelet is set with sparkling baguette, pear, marquise and round cut diamonds that weigh approximate...
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Retro Hamilton Gold Watch Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold. Signed by Hamilton Circa 1940s Size 7 1/2 inches
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Hamilton Vintage 1950's Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
Hamilton Vintage 1950's Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch - Manual winding.
Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage Hamilton 14k Automatic Watch Circa 1950's
By Hamilton
Located in Wailea, HI
Vintage Hamilton 14k Automatic Watch Circa 1950's This stunning vintage Hamilton watch, dating back to the 1950s, is a timeless example of classic American horology.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Vintage Mid Century 10k Yellow Gold Hamilton Watch Hand Wind Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Finished with a rich brown leather strap, this Hamilton is a timeless example of mid-century craftsmanship—ideal for collectors or anyone drawn to understated vintage style.
Category
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
10k Gold
Hamilton Vintage Platinum Diamond Hidden-Face Cocktail Bracelet Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Miami, FL
Classic collectible cocktail watch with timeless glamour Specifications Metal: Platinum Length: 6.25" Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 5.80 carats Diamond Details: Mix of pear, marqu...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Scarce Hamilton White Gold "Ventura" Electric Wrist Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Scarce and hard to find Hamilton Electric Ventura Wrist watch, 49 x 31 M.M. 2 piece 14k White Gold case with its eccentric flared lug tops. Hamilton 505 Electric movement,...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Mid Century Hamilton 14k Yellow Gold Hand Wind Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Hamilton Caliber: 754 Case Size: 28 x 23mm Movement: Handwind Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 34.6 Grams Notes: Watch is Running, Caseback is engraved Item #: BR-1843-0323...
Category
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Hamilton Top Hat White Gold and Diamond Vintage Wrist Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Hamilton "Top Hat" wrist watch, 39 x 21 M.M. 14k White Gold 2 piece case with Stepped lug covers. Grade 980 17 jewel, mechanical, manual wind movement. Silver satin dial...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold & Platinum Hamilton Watch, 52 Diamonds, 1950s
$8,084Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14K White Gold & Platinum Hamilton Watch, 52 Diamonds, 1950s
By Hamilton
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exquisite vintage Hamilton watch from the 1950s blends timeless design with heartfelt sentiment and luxurious materials.
Category
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Hamilton Masterpiece 14k Yellow Gold 32mm Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
Condition: Vintage wrist watch in excellent overall physical condition.
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Vintage Hamilton Diamond & Platinum Watch 3 carats Fine Diamonds 33.9 Grams
By Hamilton
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Hamilton Diamond and Platinum Ladies Watch set with 3 carats of Fine Diamonds.
Category
Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Hamilton Platinum 7.86ctw Round & Baguette Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 200 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Pave Set - 3.0ctw (approx.) 10 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - 1.50ctw (approx.) 42 Natural Genui...
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3.18ctw Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Case & Bracelet: Platinum - Safety Chain: White Gold Case Overall Height: 38mm (1.3") (measuring from both ends of the baguette diamonds ribbon) Case Width: 14.2mm (0.5")...
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
12 Carat Vintage Estate Hamilton Platinum Baguette Marquise Round Diamond Watch
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
12 Carat Vintage Estate Hamilton Platinum Baguette Marquise Round Diamond Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Estate Hamilton Platinum Baguette Marquise Round Diamond Hidden Watch Exquisite vintage Hamilton diamond hidden watch crafted in solid platinum and weighing 44.6 grams.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Hidden Watch Bracelet Florentine Leaf Diamonds
By Hamilton
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Vintage Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Hidden Watch Bracelet Florentine Leaf, Diamonds, 6.5" Description: Vintage lady’s Hamilton hidden watch bracelet crafted in solid 14-karat yellow go...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mid Century Fancy Hamilton Platinum & Round Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- 113 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Transitional & Single Cut - Bezel & Pave Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 3.25ctw (approx.) 2 Natural Genuine Diamonds -...
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Fancy Hamilton Platinum 5.42ct Round Diamond Watch Heart Link Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- 226 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Transitional & Single Cut - Pave Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 4.52ctw (approx.) 10 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Tran...
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Hamilton GCT AN 5740 4992B 22 Jewel .800 Silver Pocket Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
A highly collectible military timepiece, this Vintage Hamilton G.C.T. AN 5740 4992B Pocket Watch is a classic example of precision American watchmaking.
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Silver
Vintage Circa 1940 Hamilton 14KT Yellow Gold-Filled Curved Watch – Manual Wind
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Hamilton Model: Dress Watch Year: Circa 1940 Case: 14KT Yellow Gold-Filled, 28mm x 33mm, Curved Dial: Silver with Arabic Numeral Markers, Sub-Dial for Seconds Crystal: Acrylic...
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Vintage Hamilton Barton 18K Wrist Watch with important Provenance of Kraft Foods
By Hamilton
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Hamilton "Barton" Wrist Watch, 36 X 22 M.M. 18K yellow Gold 2 Piece case, 19 jewel 982 nickle lever movement. silvered dial with raised pyramid gold markers. This watch w...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
1940's Hamilton Gordon 18K Yellow Gold Watch Manual Men's Watch #15797
By Hamilton
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1940's Hamilton Gordon Men's Watch' This vintage Hamilton men's watch is set in 18K yellow gold.
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Hamilton Art Deco 14k Gold-Filled Watch with Rare Beaded Lugs 1940's
By Hamilton
Located in Wailea, HI
Vintage Hamilton Art Deco 14k Gold-Filled Watch with Rare Beaded Lugs Exude timeless sophistication with this exquisite vintage Hamilton timepiece, a true masterclass in mid-century ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Gold-filled
Hamilton 14Kt White Gold "Spur" Watch circa 1920's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
Today, vintage Hamilton Spur watches are highly sought after by collectors.
Category
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
White Gold
Hamilton 14K Gold 44.6mm Pocket Watch, Grade 917, with 9K Gold Chain
By Hamilton
Located in Miami, FL
A refined vintage Hamilton 14K gold pocket watch, measuring 44.63mm and crafted in a smooth, fully rounded solid-gold case weighing 54.8 grams.
Category
Vintage 1940s American Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage Hamilton Platinum Wristwatch, 22 x 36 mm — Circa 1930s
By Hamilton
Located in Wailea, HI
Vintage Hamilton Platinum Wristwatch, 22 x 36 mm — Circa 1930s A striking example of Hamilton’s Art Deco craftsmanship, this rectangular platinum wristwatch measures 22 x 36 mm and e...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Platinum
Vintage Fancy Platinum Hamilton & 14k White Gold 0.45ctw Diamond Link Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Platinum Case & 14k White Gold Bracelet Case Overall Height: 39.8mm (1.5") (measuring from both ends of the hinges) Case Width: 14.2mm (0.59") (not including the crown) B...
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
Platinum
Alex Jona Vintage Hamilton Watch Movement Sterling Silver Cufflinks
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
These rhodium plated sterling silver cufflinks, hand crafted in Italy by Jona, are actually built using genuine antique watch movements by Hamilton. Dimensions : H 0.25 in / 6.57 m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cufflinks
Materials
Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Cufflinks with Vintage Hamilton Watch Movement
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
These rhodium plated sterling silver cufflinks, hand crafted in Italy by Alex Jona, are actually built using genuine antique Hamilton watch movements. Dimensions : H 0.25 in / 6.57 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks
Materials
Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
Vintage Hamilton Service Award Watch, 1967
Unavailable
Vintage Hamilton Service Award Watch, 1967
By Hamilton
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1967 Vintage Hamilton Recognition of 25 Years of Service from the Beechcraft Aircraft Company 14k Yellow Gold Ladies watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Gold Markers that Sp...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage Hamilton US Military Stainless Steel Watch, 1988
By Hamilton
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1988 Vintage Hamilton US Military Ref. MIL-W-46374D Steel watch with Original Black Dial with White Luminous Arabic Numbers. 33mm x 40mm lug to lug (1.3 in. x 1.57 in.) - 17 jewel, m...
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage Hamilton Thin-O-Matic Stainless Steel Watch, 1960s
By Hamilton
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960's Vintage Hamilton Thin-o-matic Stainless Steel watch with Original Two Tone Gray and Silver Dial with Recessed Stick/Bar/Baton Markers. 34mm x 39mm lug to lug (1.34 in. x 1.54 ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage Hamilton Diamond and 14 Karat White Gold Dress Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage Hamilton diamond watch. This 14 karat white gold retro Hamilton watch is circa 1950's and set with 72 single cut diamonds totaling approximately.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold
Hamilton 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Vintage Bracelet Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Hamilton 14 karat yellow gold and diamond vintage bracelet watch.
Category
20th Century American Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Hamilton Gold-Filled Tonneau Watch with Black Leather Band
By Hamilton
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Case # H857441. Manual movement # 987A0421050. Weight: 26.5 grams. Does not include original box or papers. This watch is guaranteed authentic. One year warranty included with purcha...
Category
20th Century American Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
Hamilton 14k Yellow Gold Vintage Men's Hand-Winding Watch W/ Leather Band
By Hamilton
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Hamilton 14k Yellow Gold Vintage Men's Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band Movement #735 Case #S960310 14k Yellow Gold Round Case with Sapphire Accent Crown 34 mm in Diameter (36 mm...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hamilton Gilbert Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Circa 1946-1947. Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Hamilton Classic watch is made out of yellow gold on a Gold Plate bracelet.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Gold Plate
Hand-Winding 14 Karat Gold Filled 1950s Vintage Hamilton Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Carlisle, GB
Hand-winding 14K Gold Filled 1940’s Vintage Hamilton Wristwatch. This beautiful vintage watch is working and ticking well.
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
Gents Hamilton Fleetwood Manual Wristwatch Ref W503411
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Center Sweepcenter hand,Gold Triangular applied markers Gold Square bullets + arabic numbers all on the dial. Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Hamilton Fleet...
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940's Diamond Hamilton Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage 1940's Diamond Hamilton Watch Introducing the Hamilton Vintage 1940's 1.00ctw Diamond 14k Watch.
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Hamilton Ladies Cocktail Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage 1940s Hamilton ladies cocktail watch captures the refined glamour and delicate craftsmanship of the era.
Category
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Gold
Hamilton Platinum Diamond Vintage Ladies Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: manual wind Function: hours, minutes Case: 18.76mm platinum case with diamond bezel, plastic crystal, pull/push crown Dial: white dial with Arabic numbers, black hands Brac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
14K White Gold Ornate Vintage Hamilton Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Addison, TX
Created by Hamilton, this vintage watch gives off a luxurious feel.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Hamilton Ross Vintage Yellow Gold Filled Men's Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
Hamilton Ross Vintage Yellow Gold Filled Men's Watch - Manual winding.
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Vintage Ladies Hamilton 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Ladies Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Watch - Manual winding. 14K yellow gold case (14mm x 29mm).
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
1960s Vintage Hamilton Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Miami, FL
This Vintage Hamilton Ladie's cocktail is watch crafted in solid Platinum.
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Hamilton Ventura Men's Yellow Gold Electric Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Good condition, just serviced Weight: 42.3 Grams Case Size: 49.5 x 31.5 mm Band Length: 8 Inches Hallmark: Hamilton Item #: BR-1068-101023-09
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Hamilton Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Winder Unisex Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Hamilton is a beautiful Unisex timepiece that is powered by a mechanical movement which is cased in a yellow gold case. It has a round shape face, small seconds subd...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Hamilton Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Winder Unisex Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Hamilton is a beautiful Unisex timepiece that is powered by a mechanical movement which is cased in a yellow gold case. It has a round shape face, small seconds subd...
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Ladies Vintage Hamilton 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Vintage Hamilton 14k White Gold & Diamond Watch - Manual winding. 14k white gold case with diamond bezel with diamond bows on lugs (17 mm diameter).
Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Gorgeous Vintage Hamilton Watch is made in 14K yellow Gold.
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Vintage Hamilton Platinum Round & Baguette 6.70ctw Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a very fancy vintage Hamilton ladies' watch that was mounted in the most elegantly and uniquely designed case and bracelet, both crafted around the 1950's in solid plati...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Ladies' Hamilton Platinum 6.95ctw Diamond Fancy Bracelet Dress Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a gorgeous vintage ladies' Hamilton wrist watch with an elegantly designed solid .900 platinum case and bracelet.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Fancy Platinum Hamilton 2.76ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Watch Bracelet
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (53) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Pave Set - 1.06ctw (approx.) (28) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave & Bezel Set - 1.70ctw (approx.) Tot...
Category
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
0.82Ct Diamond Hamilton Cocktail Watch in Platinum - Art Deco Style - Vintage
Sold
W 0.55 in L 5.98 in
0.82Ct Diamond Hamilton Cocktail Watch in Platinum - Art Deco Style - Vintage
By Hamilton
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.82 carat diamond and platinum cocktail watch made by Hamilton; part of our vintage watch, diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections This impre...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Circa 1940 Hamilton 14K White Gold Filled Manual Wind Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
A refined and collectible piece, perfect for enthusiasts of American watchmaking heritage. Brand: Hamilton Model: Vintage Dress Watch Year: Circa 1940 Case: 14K White Gold Filled, 2...
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Vintage Hamilton Platinum Tapered Baguette Round Diamond Fancy Dress Wrist Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Montclair, NJ
Case Material: Solid Platinum Overall Watch Length: 38.3mm (2.69") Case Width: 14.3mm (0.5") (not including the crown) Bracelet Length: Adjustable and fits up to 7.5 inch wrist Cas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
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Hamilton Vintage Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
Browse a vast assortment of hamilton vintage watches for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 14k Gold and Platinum — can elevate any look. Find a collection of 35 vintage versions or 10 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 19th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of hamilton vintage watches includes designs that are universally popular, but Art Deco and Contemporary styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Hamilton, Jona and Croton are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Browse our collection of 20 Diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. A selection of round cut and baguette cut can be found today on these pages. Most of our hamilton vintage watches for sale are for women, but there are 17 pieces available to browse for men.
How Much are Hamilton Vintage Watches?
Prices for hamilton vintage watches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $213 and can go as high as $33,500, while hamilton vintage watches, on average, fetch $1,900.
Hamilton for sale on 1stDibs
In an era when the safety of America’s bustling railroads absolutely depended on accurate timepieces for its conductors, watchmaker Hamilton pioneered cutting-edge, impossibly precise watches in a complex that spanned one square city block of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the late 19th century.
As railroad tracks were laid across the United States and steam locomotives began traversing vast distances, the American railroad system ran into a problem. Back then, time was not standardized across the country. Therefore, in 1883, the railroad companies established the four time zones as we know them today. But, despite setting these zones, train conductors were not always synchronized, leading to deadly accidents on the railroads.
Enter watchmaker Hamilton, founded in 1892. Railway workers would be required to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule, and the watchmaking industry — and early American pocket-watch manufacturers such as Hamilton, Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company — benefitted.
Hamilton’s pocket watches were extremely alluring to train conductors, who began buying them en masse. The East Coast company’s timepieces eventually earned the moniker “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.”
Hamilton transitioned from pocket watches to wristwatches in 1914, as it supplied timepieces to American troops fighting in World War I. Wristwatches, naturally, were more convenient to wear and use in battle. The new style of watch was also appealing to aviators, and Hamilton aeronautical watches became all the rage among pilots, specifically those flying for the new U.S. Airmail service.
The general public’s interest in Hamilton watches grew rapidly in the 1920s. Legendary polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd timed his historic flights over glaciers and chunks of sea ice with a Hamilton pocket watch in the late 1920s, and a Hamilton timepiece used by Byrd during these expeditions went on display in 2018 at the National Watch & Clock Museum.
Hamilton’s Piping Rock watch, an Art Deco–inspired design that featured elegant Roman numerals set in black for the hour markers, made its debut in 1928 and was gifted to the New York Yankees to celebrate their World Series win that year. The model was also featured in the film Shanghai Express alongside the brand’s Flintridge watch, further expanding Hamilton’s popularity. (Hamilton watches can also be seen in the films The Frogmen, Blue Hawaii, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Men in Black.)
In the second half of the 20th century, Hamilton became well known for several innovations: It developed the first-ever battery-operated electric watch, the Ventura, in 1957, as well as the first-ever digital wristwatch, the Hamilton Pulsar Time Computer, in 1970. Three years later, superspy and watch enthusiast James Bond donned a Pulsar in Live and Let Die.
Today, the company is part of the Swatch Group, and its headquarters and production facilities relocated from Pennsylvania to Switzerland in 2003.
Find vintage Hamilton watches for sale on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
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