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Hamilton Rose Gold Diamond Dial Wristwatch
Hamilton Rose Gold Diamond Dial Wristwatch

Hamilton Rose Gold Diamond Dial Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A 14 karat gold wristwatch with copper colored dial, and diamond markers. This retro period watch

Category

Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Electric Pacer 500 Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold Electric Pacer 500 Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold Electric Pacer 500 Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Stamford, CT

1950's vintage black dial Hamilton 500 pacer in solid 14k yellow gold. Restored. New band. Serviced

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Coronado 1930s Gold and Enamel Wristwatch
Hamilton Coronado 1930s Gold and Enamel Wristwatch

Hamilton Coronado 1930s Gold and Enamel Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1930s Hamilton Coronado Wrist Watch, measuring 1 5/8 inches from Lug end to end and 1 1/8

Category

Vintage 1930s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Enamel

Hamilton Yellow Gold Diamond Buckle Bracelet Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold Diamond Buckle Bracelet Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold Diamond Buckle Bracelet Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

began. This Hamilton covered watch buckle bracelet is one of the finest examples I have seen from this

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Hamilton White Gold and Diamond Top Hat Wristwatch
Hamilton White Gold and Diamond Top Hat Wristwatch

Hamilton White Gold and Diamond Top Hat Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Chicago, IL

Hamilton 14k white gold "top hat" wristwatch, circa 1940s, manual-wind movement, silvered dial with

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Hamilton White Gold Ventura Electric Wristwatch circa 1959
Hamilton White Gold Ventura Electric Wristwatch circa 1959

Hamilton White Gold Ventura Electric Wristwatch circa 1959

By Hamilton

Located in Chicago, IL

Hamilton 14K White Gold Ventura Electric Wristwatch, Cal. 505 electric movement in working

Category

Vintage 1950s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Dial Stepped Crystal Vintage Wristwatch
Hamilton Platinum Diamond Dial Stepped Crystal Vintage Wristwatch

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Dial Stepped Crystal Vintage Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A classic Platinum wristwatch by Hamilton, with a case measuring 35mm X 20mm, and an Art Deco Dial

Category

Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton Ladies Covered Diamond Platinum Cocktail Dress Wristwatch
Hamilton Ladies Covered Diamond Platinum Cocktail Dress Wristwatch

Hamilton Ladies Covered Diamond Platinum Cocktail Dress Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Impressive ladies covered cocktail watch made of platinum and diamonds by the Hamilton Watch Co

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton Ladies Platinum Diamond Ruby Bead Bracelet Wristwatch
Hamilton Ladies Platinum Diamond Ruby Bead Bracelet Wristwatch

Hamilton Ladies Platinum Diamond Ruby Bead Bracelet Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Finely made Deco watch featuring a geometric filigree design with diamonds and channel set rubies. A contemporary ruby bead band with diamond spacers and a new clasp has been added t...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Hamilton Curvex Wristwatch 19j, 31g
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Hamilton Curvex Wristwatch 19j, 31g

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Hamilton Curvex Wristwatch 19j, 31g

By Hamilton

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Hamilton Curvex Wristwatch 19j, 31g Mens vintage Hamilton curvex wristwatch

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Sapphire Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1930s
Hamilton Platinum Diamond Sapphire Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1930s

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Sapphire Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1930s

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

This stunning antique Hamilton manual wind watch is crafted in platinum and set with blue sapphires

Category

Vintage 1930s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton White Gold Diamond Top Hat Black Dial Wristwatch
Hamilton White Gold Diamond Top Hat Black Dial Wristwatch

Hamilton White Gold Diamond Top Hat Black Dial Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Originally designed as a men's watch, this fabulous white gold Hamilton is centered around a black

Category

Mid-20th Century American Post-War Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Sir Echo Manual Wristwatch, circa 1950s
Hamilton Yellow Gold Sir Echo Manual Wristwatch, circa 1950s

Hamilton Yellow Gold Sir Echo Manual Wristwatch, circa 1950s

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century METAL / MATERIAL: 14 Kt

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Modernist Wrist Watches

Hamilton White Gold Diamond Bezel Vintage Manual Wristwatch, Circa 1950s
Hamilton White Gold Diamond Bezel Vintage Manual Wristwatch, Circa 1950s

Hamilton White Gold Diamond Bezel Vintage Manual Wristwatch, Circa 1950s

By Hamilton

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Hamilton 14K White Gold Diamond Watch - Manual winding. 14K White gold (34 mm) Round

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

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

Hamilton White 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 White Gold 2 Piece case. 17 Jewel

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Tonneau Wristwatch Retailed by Tiffany & Co circa 1940s
Hamilton Yellow Gold Tonneau Wristwatch Retailed by Tiffany & Co circa 1940s

Hamilton Yellow Gold Tonneau Wristwatch Retailed by Tiffany & Co circa 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in Stamford, CT

Hamilton Yellow Gold Tonneau Wristwatch, Retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1940s, with associated

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Hamilton Ladies Diamond Wristwatch / Bracelet in 14 Karat White Gold
Vintage Hamilton Ladies Diamond Wristwatch / Bracelet in 14 Karat White Gold

Vintage Hamilton Ladies Diamond Wristwatch / Bracelet in 14 Karat White Gold

By Hamilton

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Exquisite vintage Hamilton ladies wristwatch / bracelet embellished with 3.00 carats of glittering

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Hamilton Diamond Watch. Ladies Hamilton Classic Diamond Dainty watch with Box.
Hamilton Diamond Watch. Ladies Hamilton Classic Diamond Dainty watch with Box.

Hamilton Diamond Watch. Ladies Hamilton Classic Diamond Dainty watch with Box.

By Hamilton

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stunning watch piece. Hamilton Classic quartz wristwatch. 280.002 Stainless Steel with Diamonds

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Diamond Adorned Vintage Hamilton Watch
Diamond Adorned Vintage Hamilton Watch

Diamond Adorned Vintage Hamilton Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Addison, TX

Beautiful 14K white gold link-style bracelet pairs with the vintage Hamilton mechanical wind

Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Hamilton Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch
Vintage Hamilton Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch

Vintage Hamilton Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Addison, TX

: Hamilton Type: Wristwatch Weight: 22 grams Dial color: black Case Material: Diamonds Case back Hallmarks

Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Ladys 14k White Gold Vintage Hamilton Diamond Watch
Ladys 14k White Gold Vintage Hamilton Diamond Watch

Ladys 14k White Gold Vintage Hamilton Diamond Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Addison, TX

Beautiful 14K white gold link-style bracelet pairs with the vintage Hamilton mechanical wind

Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Hamilton Platinum Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950's
Hamilton Platinum Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950's

Hamilton Platinum Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950's

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

. In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The

Category

Vintage 1950s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Platinum Hamilton Watch with Black Dial and Diamond Numerals
Platinum Hamilton Watch with Black Dial and Diamond Numerals

Platinum Hamilton Watch with Black Dial and Diamond Numerals

By Hamilton

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A vintage platinum Hamilton "Top Hat" wristwatch centered around a beautiful black dial with a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Hamilton Ladys Platinum and 14k White Gold Diamond Watch
Vintage Hamilton Ladys Platinum and 14k White Gold Diamond Watch

Vintage Hamilton Ladys Platinum and 14k White Gold Diamond Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Addison, TX

complimentary full polish on this watch upon request. Brand: Hamilton Type: Wristwatch Weight: 16.70 grams Dial

Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Hamilton Gold-Filled Art Deco Watch with Articulating Lugs 1940's
Hamilton Gold-Filled Art Deco Watch with Articulating Lugs 1940's

Hamilton Gold-Filled Art Deco Watch with Articulating Lugs 1940's

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

watches to the US military. In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Khaki X-Wind 44MM H776160 Black Dial Arabic Automatic Steel Watch
Hamilton Khaki X-Wind 44MM H776160 Black Dial Arabic Automatic Steel Watch

Hamilton Khaki X-Wind 44MM H776160 Black Dial Arabic Automatic Steel Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Houston, TX

 grams Gent's stainless steel, HAMILTON Swiss made wristwatch with original box and papers. The

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style 1940's with Medallion Series Movement.
Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style 1940's with Medallion Series Movement.

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style 1940's with Medallion Series Movement.

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1940 with Original Buckle
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1940 with Original Buckle

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1940 with Original Buckle

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style with a Mid Century Design 1950's
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style with a Mid Century Design 1950's

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style with a Mid Century Design 1950's

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch

Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton White Gold Piping Rock Manual Wristwatch
Hamilton White Gold Piping Rock Manual Wristwatch

Hamilton White Gold Piping Rock Manual Wristwatch

Located in Aspen, CO

a Hamilton Piping Rock wristwatch for winning the World Series. A few years ago, the watch came up

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Art Deco Manual Wristwatch
Hamilton Platinum Diamond Art Deco Manual Wristwatch

Hamilton Platinum Diamond Art Deco Manual Wristwatch

Located in Aspen, CO

near colorless (H) and very slightly included. the watch is a Hamilton, manual wind, it has recently

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Antique Diamond Hamilton Platinum Ladies Watch
Vintage Antique Diamond Hamilton Platinum Ladies Watch

Vintage Antique Diamond Hamilton Platinum Ladies Watch

By Croton

Located in Addison, TX

: Hamilton Type: Wristwatch Weight: 21.3 grams Case Material: Platinum Caseback Hallmarks: "900 PLAT 100 IRIS

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton Yellow Gold Spur Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold Spur Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold Spur Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This is a very rare and desirable Hamilton in 14k yellow gold wristwatch named the Spur. The

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Coronado Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold Coronado Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold Coronado Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This is a mint example of the 14k Hamilton Coronado from the 1930s. This is a highly collectible

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Stainless Steel Count-Down GMT Chronomatic Wristwatch
Hamilton Stainless Steel Count-Down GMT Chronomatic Wristwatch

Hamilton Stainless Steel Count-Down GMT Chronomatic Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This Hamilton Count-Down GMT Chronomatic has a large 48mm satin brush finish case, anodized red

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton Stainless Steel Panda Manual Wind Wristwatch Ref 7723
Hamilton Stainless Steel Panda Manual Wind Wristwatch Ref 7723

Hamilton Stainless Steel Panda Manual Wind Wristwatch Ref 7723

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This Hamilton Panda chronograph ref 7723 is often compared to the Carrera. This has a Valjoux 7730

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton Stainless Steel Chrono-matic Chronograph Wristwatch circa 1960s
Hamilton Stainless Steel Chrono-matic Chronograph Wristwatch circa 1960s

Hamilton Stainless Steel Chrono-matic Chronograph Wristwatch circa 1960s

By Hamilton

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Hamilton stainless steel Chrono-matic chronograph wristwatch with a slate blue dial and silvered

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton Moderne 'Flight II'
Hamilton Moderne 'Flight II'

Hamilton Moderne 'Flight II'

By Hamilton

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1960's Moderne 'Flight II' Hamilton wristwatch. Manual movement, 10k gold filled.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Wrist Watches

Hamilton Gold Filled Boulton Manual Wristwatch, circa 1940s
Hamilton Gold Filled Boulton Manual Wristwatch, circa 1940s

Hamilton Gold Filled Boulton Manual Wristwatch, circa 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

production model of all Hamilton wristwatches (1938-1951). Contoured tonneau shaped case, beautifully

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Yellow Gold-Filled Boulton Tonneau Wristwatch circa 1940s
Hamilton Yellow Gold-Filled Boulton Tonneau Wristwatch circa 1940s

Hamilton Yellow Gold-Filled Boulton Tonneau Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton yellow gold-filled Boulton tonneau wristwatch. This case classic model had one of the

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Hamilton Yellow Gold-Filled Romanesque S Model Wristwatch circa 1950s
Hamilton Yellow Gold-Filled Romanesque S Model Wristwatch circa 1950s

Hamilton Yellow Gold-Filled Romanesque S Model Wristwatch circa 1950s

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton wristwatch, ideal size for a woman. Like all our watches, this classic model has been

Category

Vintage 1950s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Yellow Gold Gordon Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold Gordon Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold Gordon Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Gordon Wristwatch, circa 1949. Featuring a 23 x 39.5mm rectangular case

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Cameron Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold Cameron Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold Cameron Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Cameron Wristwatch circa 1949. Distinctive tonneau shaped case. With

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold "Drake" Wristwatch
Hamilton Yellow Gold "Drake" Wristwatch

Hamilton Yellow Gold "Drake" Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Scarce model man’s Hamilton “Drake” 14K gold circa 1951. Featuring 25 X 39mm sculpted case with

Category

Vintage 1950s American Modernist Wrist Watches

Hamilton Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch
Hamilton Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch

Hamilton Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton Stainless Steel Chronograph circa 1960s. Featuring 36mm diameter screw back case with

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1970s
Hamilton Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1970s

Hamilton Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1970s

By Hamilton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hamilton steel military-style wristwatch, with medium size 32mm brushed finish case, circa 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

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Hamilton Wristwatch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the hamilton wristwatch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Platinum and 14k Gold. You can easily find a 91 antique edition and 4 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect hamilton wristwatch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic hamilton wristwatch over the years, but those made by Hamilton, John Donald and Tiffany & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A hamilton wristwatch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 38, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a baguette cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut alternatives. When shopping for a hamilton wristwatch, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Hamilton Wristwatch?

Prices for a hamilton wristwatch 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 this accessory, on average, fetches $3,650.

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.