Vintage HAMILTON Norman

After Restoration*

The Norman appeared after World War II when Hamilton re-entered the consumer market. This was one of their first offerings. It resembles several other models such as the the Blake with its broad rectangular shape -almost a square. It differs from the longer and narrower models like the Bolton and the Donald. The Norman is a 14K yellow gold filled  gent’s wristwatch. This is one of Hamilton’s Art Deco throwback designs popular in the early 1950’s. It has a snap back case with a slight curve at the top and bottom of the crystal. The rectangular body is surround by a lug rack with what collectors called “dog ears”.

Before Restoration

This Norman has what collectors call a  fancy design. It’s a sturdy watch and came with a 19 Jewel caliber 982 14/0 movement with damasked bridges. Hamilton used this type of 982 movement in its solid gold watches in the late 1930’s. After the war, Hamilton commonly used this movement in 14K gold filled watches and changed to the 982M for solid gold.

Restoration of the Norman in the above photo consisted of changing the band, crystal and reapplication of a Butler finish to the dial. The case was cleaned and polished on wheel with  muslin cloth. The movement worked and kept time within an acceptable tolerance. Under normal conditions, the restorer would disassemble the movement, clean the parts, oil the jewels and adjust the hairspring until the movement kept time in four positions: up, down, left and right.