Vintage Hamilton Buyer's Guide?

There is a Hamilton book. I don't own it, but my jewler has it. I've also seen it at my local Barnes and Noble. As a general rule, most 50s-70s Hamiltons are only worth the metal. There are exceptions like the Flight, Pacer, Ventura, etc... but most of the retirement watches are run of the mill gold filled watches with 17 jewel movements. I'm wearing one right now that I picked up at a house sale for $25. I have had it for eleven years and it has run flawlessly. I had it cleaned when I bought it but when it dies that's it. It would cost more than it is worth to fix it.

 

Ted...the carpet company wouldn't be Masland would it? Masland was based in Carlisle PA. Hamiltons were made in Lancaster PA of course. I have a "Gordon" model from the WW II era in 18k gold and I love it.

 

Go to the bookstore and find "The Bluebook Of Watch Values". In it you can go to toward the back and there are wristwatch photos listed by maker and see if you can find a similar watch illustrated there. That might give you some idea as the book is revised every year to keep them current.

 

I also have a Hamilton from that time period as well, my grandfather got it as a gift for 30 years on the job.

 

If I recall, this was the standard among collectors years ago. I haven't looked at one in 20 years.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982948719/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=pocketwatchsi-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0982948719&adid=1VH0705AMVXZ0V6HJT59&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pocketwatchsite.com%2Fbooks.html

I probably still have the first one, which I bought new...

Regards,

Art S.

PS. Hamilton made great watches. If I recall, their model 950 was the best timekeeping raiload watch made - a better timekeeper than anything made by the swiss now or then!