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Hamilton Jewelry

American

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.

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Creator: Hamilton
Dealer: Advent of Time
Hamilton 14Kt White Gold "Spur" Watch circa 1920's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference "Spur" METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt White Gold / Kiln Fired Enamel Print CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 979 DIAL / HANDS: Original Sterling Silver with Kiln Fired Enamel Print / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / BRACELET: Leather, 12mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Yikes... we never see this model and have only seen a few in the last 50 years, and never one with what appears to be the original box. This was one of Hamiltons most legendary wristwatches and it is exceptional condition. Since it has been in a vault for about 50 years the price includes a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker. Asymmetrical models are among the most sought after wrist watches in the vintage world. Hamilton produced one of the earliest and most intriguing examples, which they called the "Spur" for obvious reasons. it was first introduced in 1928, the Spur remained in production until 1932. Oddly, it only appeared in the Hamilton catalogs for a single year, 1930. It can be presumed that the "Great Depression" had something to do with this. This rare timepiece boasts a distinctive case with a black enamel bezel. The Spur started a trend with Hamiltion and they next produced the "Piping Rock" models. The Spur has hidden lugs that are tucked behind a series of cascading fins, creating a truly unique design. A tiny watch, even by vintage standards, the Spur features a delicate 12mm strap. Originally priced at $125, production numbers were limited, with a total of 1,183 pieces created: 683 in white gold, 499 in yellow gold, and a single, elusive example in green gold. Just two years later, in 1928, Hamilton introduced another groundbreaking design: the "Piping Rock." This watch featured a tonneau-shaped gold case with a striking black enamel bezel. Its unique aesthetic captured the attention of the era, and it was chosen to commemorate the New York Yankees' World Series victory that same year. Specially engraved editions were presented to legendary players like Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, solidifying the Piping Rock's place in Hamilton's history of iconic timepieces. HAMILTON HISTORY The wrong train, on the wrong track, at the wrong time at the end of the 19th century frequently resulted in disastrous train wrecks. In response to the critical need for accuracy on the nation’s railroads, laws were passed in 1891 establishing set standards of accuracy. All engineers and railroad workers were required to purchase and maintain their watches to keep accurate time based on set standards, about 30 seconds per week was the tolerance. This was the inspiration for The Hamilton Watch Company which was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was started by a group of investors who were looking to create a high-quality, American-made watch. Hamilton quickly became a leading manufacturer of pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, the company was supplying watches to the US military. In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch quickly became popular with both soldiers and civilians recognizing how practical they were. Hamilton continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and by the 1940s, the company was one of the largest watchmakers in the world. Hamilton had exceptional engineers and designers, and their watches were elegantly styled as well as dependable. As a watchmaker myself I consider Hamilton to be one of the worlds “best” watches. It was mass produced perfection. Even today, you can take 100 old Hamilton’s of the same model apart and shake them up in a bag and reassemble 100 watches that will work perfectly with almost no adjustment. This is an achievement. In the early 1930’s our family store in Los Angeles was the a “Hamilton” Store. Even during the depression though Hamilton did not allow you to discount the price to sell a watch. Also, in the neighborhood was another Hamilton store and one day the owner sent in a “shill” to buy a Hamilton from us. Someone gave them a slight discount. Well, that was all it took for Hamilton to “pull the line” from us. In those days the local jewelry supply houses sold you the watches and they were all told not to sell to us. We simply contacted Gruen, and they were very excited to have a new account in Los Angeles and we immediately became a Gruen Store. A few months later, the other jeweler in the neighborhood went out of business and Hamilton came back to us asking if we wanted “the line” again. No thanks was the response and we never carried Hamilton again. During World War II, Hamilton supplied watches to the US military again. In addition, with contracts for the Navy, they produced the world’s most accurate navigational chronometers. The company also developed several new technologies for use in military watches. After the war, Hamilton continued to innovate, and the company introduced several new watch designs for the future. Unfortunately, they made one very poor executive decision in the 1950’s. Having invented the first “electric” or battery watch they decided to launch it before all the “bugs'' were worked out. Too many of them failed and at the same time, Bulova launched their version of the electric, or battery watch called the Accutron. It did not fail and that was the demise of one of America's most successful and influential companies. Their watches, however, still live on and parts are available and the average Hamilton, with only average care, will last hundreds of years. Their commitment to excellence has never been surpassed by any watch company. The Hamilton Spur...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

White Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial Early 40's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm x Wid...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1940 with Original Buckle
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Vincent / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X Width 38mm MOV...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled, Yellow Gold

Hamilton 14K Solid White Gold Art Deco Watch with Presentation Back from 1932
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference Andrews METAL / MATERIAL: 14K Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1932 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm X Width 37mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 401 DIAL / HANDS: Sterling Silver with Luminous Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a rare model by the legendary American House of Hamilton, from Lancaster Pennsylvania. This watch was presented in 1932 to the winner of an amateur Skeet Shooting Contest in 1932 in Dayton Ohio. It is in excellent original condition and is still fitted with an original period strap and buckle, however the strap is too fragile to wear all the time so we put a new lizard strap on it and the original buckle. The dial is done in Sterling Silver with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing on it. Only the finest Swiss watches like Patek Philippe...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

White Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style with Original Dial from 1940's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / The Adrian METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X Width 37mm...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton 14 Karat Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Diamond Dress Watch from 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Width 14mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 750 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Mixed Makers / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: 6mm Width / 6" Length or 15.3cm WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This elegant ladies diamond dress watch This unique art deco ladies diamond dress watch has just been serviced by our team and keeps dependable time. Hamilton is a legendary American house/ Hamilton pocket watches are renowned for their accuracy since 1892. They were the most reliable pocket watches...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Tonneau Shaped Watch 1930's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X Width 16mm...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Wristwatch, circa 1950's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilon Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 24mm x Width 38mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Cal.752 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Applied Gold Numerals / Modified Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This watch is fitted with a Sterling Silver dial and the applied numerals are done in 18Kt. gold. Hamilton built the navigational chronometers used by the US Navy during WW...
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Round Dress Watch with Original Dial 1950's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Modern / Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Diameter 2...
Category

1950s American Modernist Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled with Original Sterling Silver Dial and Gold Numbers
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt GF CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm x Diameter 27mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 18 Jewels / Cal.748 DIAL / HANDS: Original Sterling Silver with Solid 18Kt. Gold Applied Numerals / Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Hamilton cushion shaped watch is fitted with a Sterling Silver dial and the applied numerals are done in 18Kt. gold. Hamilton was one of America's finest watch factories helping to build the American Railroad system at the turn of the century. They also designed and built the navigational chronometers used by the US Navy during WW 2...
Category

1950s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton Ladies Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 33mm Length X 17mm Diameter MOVEMEN...
Category

1940s American Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Platinum

Hamilton White Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1931 with Original Dial & Hands
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon Shape METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1931 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm X Width 34mm...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled, White Gold

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style 1940's with Medallion Series Movement.
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 22mm MOVEMENT...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Platinum

Hamilton 14 Karat Solid White Gold Ladies Dress Watch with Original Dial, 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X Width 18mm ...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton 14Kt White Gold Dress Watch with Original Diamond Bezel 1950's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid White Gold / 34 Genuine Diamonds CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

Hamilton Gold Filled Art Deco Curvex Style with Original Silver Dial 1930's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Curvex METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 22mm X Width 44mm MOVEMENT / CA...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton 14Kt Solid White Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1950's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 14 MOVEMENT /...
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

White Gold

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style with Covered Lugs from 1940's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco /Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 21mm MOVEMENT...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Platinum

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style with Original Diamond Dial
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Gabled Crystal Diamond Bezel METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA: 1940's DIMENS...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton 14Kt Gold "Midas" Art Deco Watch 1940's with Original Dial Strap & Box
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Midas Series / Art Deco Tank METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 22mm X Width 33mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 982M DIAL / HANDS: Original Two Tone in Sterling Silver with 18Kt. Solid Gold Applied Numerals ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a great looking and dependable watch by this legendary American House from Lancaster Pennsylvania. This watch is offered with what appears to be an original period Alligator strap and an original Hamilton buckle and box. While the strap is to fragile to be practical it does indicate that this watch is in nearly new condition. Hamilton was devoted to excellence from their most modest watch to their finest. For example, Hamilton Dials were made in all Sterling Silver with Solid Gold 18Kt. Applied Numerals. No American house did this on all their watches. Only the finest Swiss houses had this level of quality. This watch will keep dependable time for the next 200 years if you give it a service every so often. Hamilton History The wrong train, on the wrong track, at the wrong time at the end of the 19th century frequently resulted in disastrous train wrecks. In response to the critical need for accuracy on the nation’s railroads, laws were passed in 1891 establishing set standards of accuracy. All engineers and railroad workers were required to purchase and maintain their watches to keep accurate time based on set standards, about 30 seconds per week was the tolerance. This was the inspiration for The Hamilton Watch Company which was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was started by a group of investors who were looking to create a high-quality, American-made watch. Hamilton quickly became a leading manufacturer of pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, the company was supplying watches to the US military. In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch quickly became popular with both soldiers and civilians recognizing how practical they were. Hamilton continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and by the 1940s, the company was one of the largest watchmakers in the world. Hamilton had exceptional engineers and designers and their watches were elegantly styled as well as dependable. As a watchmaker myself I consider Hamilton to be one of the worlds “best” watches. It was mass produced perfection. Even today, you can take 100 old Hamilton’s of the same model apart and shake them up in a bag and reassemble 100 watches that will work perfectly with almost no adjustment. This is an achievement. In the early 1930’s our family store in Los Angeles was a “Hamilton” Store. Even during the depression though Hamilton did not allow you to discount the price to sell a watch. Also, in the neighborhood was another Hamilton store and one day the owner sent in a “shill” to buy a Hamilton from us, someone gave them a slight discount. Well, that was all it took for Hamilton to “pull the line” from us. In those days the local jewelry supply houses sold you the watches and they were all told not to sell to us. We simply contacted Gruen, and they were very excited to have a new account...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton Ladies Platinum Art Deco Evening Watch Gold Diamond Bracelet 1940's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Evening Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & 14Kt. Gold Bracelet CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 50mm X Diameter 14mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 22 Jewels / Caliber 757 DIAL / HANDS: White Dial with Silver Markers / Silver Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Gold Diamond Bracelet / 5 7/8 Inches or 15cm WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking all original Art Deco Watch is all original and produced by the legendary American House of Hamilton. The watch has just been given a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker and keeps dependable time. We seldom see diamond dress watches in this condition. This one is very elegant and in exceptional condition with 1.75cts. of VS Diamonds. If you are looking for a spectacular watch for special evenings The wrong train, on the wrong track, at the wrong time at the end of the 19th century frequently resulted in disastrous train wrecks. In response to the critical need for accuracy on the nation’s railroads, laws were passed in 1891 establishing set standards of accuracy. All engineers and railroad workers were required to purchase and maintain their watches to keep accurate time based on set standards, about 30 seconds per week was the tolerance. This was the inspiration for The Hamilton Watch Company which was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was started by a group of investors who were looking to create a high-quality, American-made watch. Hamilton quickly became a leading manufacturer of pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, the company was supplying watches to the US military. In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch quickly became popular with both soldiers and civilians recognizing how practical they were. Hamilton continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and by the 1940s, the company was one of the largest watchmakers in the world. Hamilton had exceptional engineers and designers and their watches were elegantly styled as well as dependable. As a watchmaker myself I consider Hamilton to be one of the worlds “best” watches. It was mass produced perfection. Even today, you can take 100 old Hamilton’s of the same model apart and shake them up in a bag and reassemble 100 watches that will work perfectly with almost no adjustment. This is an achievement. In the early 1930’s our family store in Los Angeles was the a “Hamilton” Store. Even during the depression though Hamilton did not allow you to discount the price to sell a watch. Also, in the neighborhood was another Hamilton store and one day the owner sent in a “shill” to buy a Hamilton from us. Someone gave them a slight discount. Well, that was all it took for Hamilton to “pull the line” from us. In those days the local jewelry supply houses sold you the watches and they were all told not to sell to us. We simply contacted Gruen, and they were very excited to have a new account...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton Gold Filled 1950's Battery Watch Original Black Dial and Original Strap
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century Design METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width ...
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Ladies Watch with Cord Band or Matching Metal Band
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum / 1.25 Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 51mm X Wid...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton Gold Filled Art Deco Tonneau Shaped Watch circa 1950's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 26mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 747 DIAL / HANDS: Sterling Silvered Gilded with 18Kt. Gold Applied Numerals / Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This watch is fitted with a Sterling Silver dial that has been gilded and the applied numerals are done in 18Kt. gold. Hamilton was famous for their watches and the navigational chronometers used by the US Navy during WW 2...
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton White Gold Filled Art Deco Watch With "A.N to H.B" Engraved circa 1920s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art deco / Square METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm X Width 34mm MOVE...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton 14Kt. Gold Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Dial & Bracelet 1925
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1925 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 986A DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with 9:00 Subsidiary Dial / Blued Steel Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Gold Link Bracelet 16mm / 7 Inch Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is one of those rare American Watches that you seldom see. Firstly, it is the only example I have ever seen with a subsidiary dial at 9:00. This was done so Hamilton could use the movement for as pendant watch, perhaps for nurse. More impressively, it is still fitted with its original solid gold open link bracelet...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Hamilton White Gold Filled Dress Style
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 35mm Length X 31mm Diameter M...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled, White Gold

Hamilton Solid 14 Karat White Gold Art Deco Bracelet Watch, circa 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Hand Constructed Case METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid White Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 35mm X Width 20mm CIRCA / Dat...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

White Gold, 14k Gold

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 / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1931 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Wi...
Category

1950s American Modernist Vintage Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Stainless Steel Art Deco Style Wristwatch, circa 1950s High Grade
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Art Deco Style METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's / 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diameter 32mm MOVEMENT / 770 CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Cal. 671 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered Luminous Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic and elegant watch was produced by the iconic American house of Hamilton. Founded in Lancaster Pennsylvania in 1892 they were renowned for their railroad watches...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Hamilton Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Hamilton jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Hamilton jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Hamilton diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 40, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 99 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Elgin, Waltham, and Gruen. Prices for Hamilton jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $310 and tops out at $22,800, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $2,599.
Questions About Hamilton Jewelry
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    George Romney is the artist who painted Lady Hamilton. He actually produced several Romantic portraits and drew many sketches of her, as he considered her to represent the ideal of feminine beauty. Later in his career, Romney produced a series of paintings inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. Shop a variety of George Romney art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    No, Hamilton is not widely considered a luxury watch brand. The revered Swiss manufacturer’s timepieces are known for their quality workmanship and high-end materials, but its watches typically retail at attainable price points compared to the likes of Cartier or Rolex. Shop a collection of Hamilton watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To open a Hamilton pocket watch, take it to a reputable watch repair shop. Experts advise against opening antique pocket watches on your own because special tools are necessary to avoid damaging the timepieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Hamilton pocket watches.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    The story behind Hamilton watches goes back to 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. Time was not standardized across the country.

    Therefore, in 1883, the railroad companies established the four time zones as we know them today. However, train conductors were not always synchronized, leading to deadly railroad accidents. Enter watchmaker Hamilton, founded in 1892. Railway workers would be required to wear a pocket watch to keep on schedule, and the watchmaking industry — especially pocket-watch manufacturers such as Hamilton — benefitted. The 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. The new style of watch also appealed to aviators, and Hamilton aeronautical watches became all the rage among pilots, particularly 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. Hamilton’s Piping Rock watch, an Art Deco-inspired design featuring elegant Roman numerals set in black for the hour markers, debuted 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 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.

    On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Hamilton watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Whether Hamilton watches are American or Swiss depends on the timepiece in question. Prior to 2003, Hamilton manufactured its timepieces in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After the company's sale to the Swatch Group, its headquarters and manufacturing facility relocated to Biel, Switzerland. Explore a variety of Hamilton watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Hamilton 992B Railroad Watch was first produced in November, 1940, nine years after design and research began. The 992B featured brand-new technologies and was made with gold, steel and gilt parts and the newly designed Elinvar Extra hairspring. The last Hamilton 992B was sold in 1969. Shop Hamilton 992B Railroad Watches from top sellers worldwide on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Hamilton watches became Swiss in 2003 when the watchmaker moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Biel, Switzerland. While based in the U.S., the company produced watches for the winners of the 1928 World Series and was the official watch for the employees of four commercial airlines. Shop a variety of Hamilton watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    No, Hamilton Watch is not made in China. Since 2003, Hamilton’s timepieces have come from an atelier in Biel, Switzerland. Prior to that, Hamilton manufactured its watches at its factory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where it was founded in 1892. Explore a selection of Hamilton watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Hamilton's Railway Special pocket watch was launched in 1940 and remained in production for the next two decades. At the time, it was marketed as the most accurate railroad watch available. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Hamilton timepieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

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