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Vintage 1940s Retro Hamilton Gold Watch Bracelet
Vintage 1940s Retro Hamilton Gold Watch Bracelet

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

1940s Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold

Hamilton 1969 Liberty Coin Watch 14K Gold
Hamilton 1969 Liberty Coin Watch 14K Gold

Hamilton 1969 Liberty Coin Watch 14K Gold

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

Introducing the Vintage Hamilton 1969 Liberty Coin 14kt Gold Watch, a timeless treasure capturing

Category

1960s American Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold

Hamilton Brass Pocket Watch with Display Back
Hamilton Brass Pocket Watch with Display Back

Hamilton Brass Pocket Watch with Display Back

By Hamilton

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Enjoy seeing the craftsmanship in this Hamilton 917 Brass Pocket Watch, expertly restored with a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Brass

Hamilton Parker Ladies Watch - Yellow Gold 14k Manual
Hamilton Parker Ladies Watch - Yellow Gold 14k Manual

Hamilton Parker Ladies Watch - Yellow Gold 14k Manual

By Hamilton

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Hamilton Model: Parker Movement: Manual Number of Jewels: 22 Movement Maker: U.S.A. Metal

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Hamilton 4.80cts Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch
Antique Hamilton 4.80cts Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch

Antique Hamilton 4.80cts Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami, FL

This elegant antique Hamilton cocktail watch is a beautiful representation of vintage luxury

Category

1960s Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Illinois Two Tone Art Deco Watch circa 1931 with Original Period Strap
Illinois Two Tone Art Deco Watch circa 1931 with Original Period Strap

Illinois Two Tone Art Deco Watch circa 1931 with Original Period Strap

By Illinois Watch Company

Located in Long Beach, CA

Watch Company. While Hamilton continued to produce watches under the Illinois name for a short period

Category

1930s American Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Gold-filled, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Vintage Platinum Diamond Hidden-Face Cocktail Bracelet Watch
Hamilton Vintage Platinum Diamond Hidden-Face Cocktail Bracelet Watch

Hamilton Vintage Platinum Diamond Hidden-Face Cocktail Bracelet Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami, FL

A breathtaking Art Deco–inspired platinum cocktail watch featuring a concealed dial, crafted with

Category

1980s American Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940's Hamilton Gordon 18K Yellow Gold Watch Manual Men's Watch #15797
1940's Hamilton Gordon 18K Yellow Gold Watch Manual Men's Watch #15797

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

1940s Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage Scarce Hamilton White Gold "Ventura" Electric Wrist Watch
Vintage Scarce Hamilton White Gold "Ventura" Electric Wrist Watch

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

Category

1960s American Modernist Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Hamilton 1961 Pacermatic Rare Automatic Gold filled Wrist Watch
Hamilton 1961 Pacermatic Rare Automatic Gold filled Wrist Watch

Hamilton 1961 Pacermatic Rare Automatic Gold filled Wrist Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1961 Hamilton "Pacermatic" the very Rare Automatic version of the Pacer Wrist Watch, 45 X 31

Category

1960s American Modernist Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Gold-filled

Vintage Mid Century Hamilton 14k Yellow Gold Hand Wind Watch
Vintage Mid Century Hamilton 14k Yellow Gold Hand Wind Watch

Vintage Mid Century Hamilton 14k Yellow Gold Hand Wind Watch

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

personal story to the watch. Finished with a black leather strap, this Hamilton combines timeless design

Category

Mid-20th Century Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold

Hamilton Top Hat White Gold and Diamond Vintage Wrist Watch
Hamilton Top Hat White Gold and Diamond Vintage Wrist Watch

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

Category

1940s American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Hamilton Masterpiece 14k Yellow Gold 32mm Mechanical Wrist Watch
Vintage Hamilton Masterpiece 14k Yellow Gold 32mm Mechanical Wrist Watch

Vintage Hamilton Masterpiece 14k Yellow Gold 32mm Mechanical Wrist Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Watchmaker: Hamilton Movement: Mechanical - Hand Winding Case Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Gross

Category

20th Century American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Yellow Gold

Art Deco 14K White Gold Hamilton 2.5ctw Diamond Watch 22.1g
Art Deco 14K White Gold Hamilton 2.5ctw Diamond Watch 22.1g

Art Deco 14K White Gold Hamilton 2.5ctw Diamond Watch 22.1g

By Hamilton

Located in Addison, TX

Presenting a: Vintage Art Deco 14K White Gold Hamilton 2.5ctw Diamond Watch 6.4" 22.1g Natural

Category

1960s Unknown Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Hamilton Top Hat 1940s Gold and Diamond Dial Wrist Watch
Hamilton Top Hat 1940s Gold and Diamond Dial Wrist Watch

Hamilton Top Hat 1940s Gold and Diamond Dial Wrist Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1940s Hamilton "Top Hat" 39 X 20 M.M. 2 piece 14k Yellow Gold case, 17 Jewel Grade 980

Category

1940s American Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 7.86ctw Round & Baguette Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet
Vintage Hamilton Platinum 7.86ctw Round & Baguette Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 7.86ctw Round & Baguette Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Made - Cal. 911 Weight: 55.5 Grams Condition: Vintage watch in excellent overall physical and working

Category

20th Century American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3.18ctw Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet
Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3.18ctw Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet

Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3.18ctw Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Condition: Vintage watch in excellent overall physical and working condition. Two diamonds have tiny chips

Category

20th Century American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

12 Carat Vintage Estate Hamilton Platinum Baguette Marquise Round Diamond Watch
12 Carat Vintage Estate Hamilton Platinum Baguette Marquise Round Diamond Watch

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

Category

1950s Swiss Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Hidden Watch Bracelet Florentine Leaf Diamonds
Vintage Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Hidden Watch Bracelet Florentine Leaf Diamonds

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

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Hamilton 904 14k Gold Filled 21 Jewel Pocket Watch
Art Deco Hamilton 904 14k Gold Filled 21 Jewel Pocket Watch

Art Deco Hamilton 904 14k Gold Filled 21 Jewel Pocket Watch

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

A fine example of early American watchmaking, this Hamilton pocket watch showcases the brand’s

Category

20th Century Hamilton Watch Used

Vintage Mid Century Fancy Hamilton Platinum & Round Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet
Vintage Mid Century Fancy Hamilton Platinum & Round Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet

Vintage Mid Century Fancy Hamilton Platinum & Round Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

: Mechanical - Hand Wound - 17 Jewels - American Made Weight: 41.48 Grams Condition: Vintage watch in excellent

Category

20th Century American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Fancy Hamilton Platinum 5.42ct Round Diamond Watch Heart Link Bracelet
Vintage Fancy Hamilton Platinum 5.42ct Round Diamond Watch Heart Link Bracelet

Vintage Fancy Hamilton Platinum 5.42ct Round Diamond Watch Heart Link Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

: Slightly Graduates from 9.5mm to 12mm Weight: 38.52 Grams Condition: Vintage watch in excellent overall

Category

20th Century American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton 14K Gold 44.6mm Pocket Watch, Grade 917, with 9K Gold Chain
Hamilton 14K Gold 44.6mm Pocket Watch, Grade 917, with 9K Gold Chain

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

Category

1940s American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold, 9k Gold

Antique 1911 Silver Hamilton Open Face Pocket Watch with 17 Jewels
Antique 1911 Silver Hamilton Open Face Pocket Watch with 17 Jewels

Antique 1911 Silver Hamilton Open Face Pocket Watch with 17 Jewels

By Hamilton

Located in Wallkill, NY

Wonderful Hamilton open face Pocket Watch - Manufacturer Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Category

1910s American Art Nouveau Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Silver

Antique Art Deco Hamilton Platinum Diamond Wrist Watch White Gold Mesh Bracelet
Antique Art Deco Hamilton Platinum Diamond Wrist Watch White Gold Mesh Bracelet

Antique Art Deco Hamilton Platinum Diamond Wrist Watch White Gold Mesh Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

.) Movement: Mechanical - Hand Wound - 17 Jewels - Hamilton 911 Weight: 16.3 Grams Condition: Antique watch in

Category

19th Century Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage Hamilton Art Deco 14k Gold-Filled Watch with Rare Beaded Lugs 1940's
Vintage Hamilton Art Deco 14k Gold-Filled Watch with Rare Beaded Lugs 1940's

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

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Ladies White Gold Hamilton 2 Carat Natural F Color Diamond Manual Cocktail Watch
Ladies White Gold Hamilton 2 Carat Natural F Color Diamond Manual Cocktail Watch

Ladies White Gold Hamilton 2 Carat Natural F Color Diamond Manual Cocktail Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare Hamilton Collectable Ladies 14k White Gold with approximately 2 Carats of Natural Diamond

Category

1940s American Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Stamford, CT

1950's Hamilton 14k yellow gold wristwatch. Rectangle dial with 9 row mesh 14k yellow gold band

Category

Mid-20th Century Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Hamilton Platinum Wristwatch, 22 x 36 mm — Circa 1930s
Vintage Hamilton Platinum Wristwatch, 22 x 36 mm — Circa 1930s

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

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Platinum

Hamilton Yellow Gold and Diamond Set 1940s Top Hat Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold and Diamond Set 1940s Top Hat Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold and Diamond Set 1940s Top Hat Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1940s Hamilton "Top Hat" Model Wrist Watch, 39 X 21 MM 14K Yellow Gold 2 Piece case. 17

Category

1940s American Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Deco Style Tonneau with Rare Original Dial 1950
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Deco Style Tonneau with Rare Original Dial 1950

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Deco Style Tonneau with Rare Original Dial 1950

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Illinois Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau Shaped / Reference 212 METAL

Category

1950s American Modernist Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Gold-filled

1950 Hamilton Thin-O-Matic Wristwatch w/ Black Dial on Leather Band
1950 Hamilton Thin-O-Matic Wristwatch w/ Black Dial on Leather Band

1950 Hamilton Thin-O-Matic Wristwatch w/ Black Dial on Leather Band

Located in Van Nuys, CA

for collectors. The Hamilton is an American-made timepiece, crafted by the Hamilton Watch Company

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Steel

Hilton 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch
Hilton 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch

Hilton 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid

Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum 3.72ctw Old Diamond Fancy Wrist Watch Bracelet
Antique Art Deco Platinum 3.72ctw Old Diamond Fancy Wrist Watch Bracelet

Antique Art Deco Platinum 3.72ctw Old Diamond Fancy Wrist Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Grams Condition: Antique watch in excellent overall physical and working condition. One diamond has a

Category

1920s American Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Hamilton Ladies Watch With Diamonds 1.10ct
Hamilton Ladies Watch With Diamonds 1.10ct

Hamilton Ladies Watch With Diamonds 1.10ct

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

*Ladies Diamond Watch Brand: Hamilton Case Material: Platinum Case Dimension: 14.2mm X 14.2mm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Hamilton Watch
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Hamilton Watch

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Hamilton Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1960's 14 karat yellow gold customized Hamilton wristwatch with 17 jewel Swiss movement. It is set

Category

1960s Swiss Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Hamilton Watch
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Hamilton Watch

14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Hamilton Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This gorgeous one-of-a-kind 14 karat yellow and white gold custom watch by Hamilton has 18

Category

1960s Swiss Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hamilton Watch Top Hat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Gold Woven Band Mechanical
Hamilton Watch Top Hat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Gold Woven Band Mechanical

Hamilton Watch Top Hat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Gold Woven Band Mechanical

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

Sought-after Top Hat Hamilton wrist watch with a rectangular case embellished with diamonds on the

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hamilton Double Roller 992e Pocket Watch 3262545 Case
Hamilton Double Roller 992e Pocket Watch 3262545 Case

Hamilton Double Roller 992e Pocket Watch 3262545 Case

By Hamilton

Located in Surfside, FL

Hamilton Watch Company Elinvar Double Roller 992E with triple sunk porcelain dial. 21 Jewels 5

Category

Early 1900s Hamilton Watch Used

Vintage Hamilton Diamond and 14 Karat White Gold Dress Watch
Vintage Hamilton Diamond and 14 Karat White Gold Dress Watch

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

Category

1950s Swiss Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Gents Hamilton Fleetwood Manual Wristwatch Ref W503411
Gents Hamilton Fleetwood Manual Wristwatch Ref W503411

Gents Hamilton Fleetwood Manual Wristwatch Ref W503411

By Hamilton

Located in Surfside, FL

bullets + arabic numbers all on the dial. Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch. Certified preowned Vintage

Category

1940s Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Yellow Gold

Hamilton Gilbert Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
Hamilton Gilbert Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch

Hamilton Gilbert Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Surfside, FL

from Toledo Scale Co 1947. Circa 1946-1947. Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch. Certified preowned Vintage

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

14k Gold, Gold Plate

Hamilton Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond “Peek-a-boo” Manual Wristwatch, circa 1955
Hamilton Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond “Peek-a-boo” Manual Wristwatch, circa 1955

Hamilton Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond “Peek-a-boo” Manual Wristwatch, circa 1955

By Hamilton

Located in Metairie, LA

Hamilton watch case hidden inside of an incredibly ornate gold and diamond bracelet. The bracelet has been

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Super Compressor Tropical Dial Stainless Steel Diver’s, circa 1960s
Hamilton Super Compressor Tropical Dial Stainless Steel Diver’s, circa 1960s

Hamilton Super Compressor Tropical Dial Stainless Steel Diver’s, circa 1960s

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

looking vintage diver’s model branded by Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. SKU: 50053

Category

1960s Swiss Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ladies 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Hamilton Timepiece
Ladies 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Hamilton Timepiece

Ladies 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Hamilton Timepiece

By Hamilton

Located in Los Angeles, CA

14K white gold lady's Hamilton watch 17 jewel manual wind watch with black cord strap and 20 single

Category

1950s American Modern Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

World War II Hamilton Model 23 Chronograph, 1943
World War II Hamilton Model 23 Chronograph, 1943

World War II Hamilton Model 23 Chronograph, 1943

By Hamilton

Located in Houston, TX

chronograph mechanism, which makes it one of the most complicated watches produced by Hamilton Watch Company

Category

1940s American Hamilton Watch Used

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Watch
Hamilton Platinum Diamond Watch

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Watch

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Hamilton Metal: Platinum Condition: Excellent Gemstone: Diamond Diamonds Used: 87 Item

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton Watch Used

Materials

Platinum

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Hamilton Watch Used For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact hamilton watch used you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and Platinum, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 579 antique edition and 41 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect hamilton watch used among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Take a look at a hamilton watch used featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also baguette cut cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a hamilton watch used, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Hamilton Watch Used?

On average, a hamilton watch used at 1stDibs sells for $1,850, while they’re typically $170 on the low end and $33,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Hamilton
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    To identify a vintage Hamilton watch, grab a magnifying glass and look for its model number, serial number and case number. Most timepieces produced by Hamilton will display one, two or all three of these numbers. The model and case numbers generally appear on the back of the case, and you can usually find the serial number on the lugs. You can enter these numbers into the search tool on the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors's official website to learn about your watch's age, style name and other characteristics. If you have any difficulty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of vintage Hamilton watches.