The first watch below is a rare classic. In 1935, Hamilton released a solid gold wristwatch called the Donovan. The company included it as part of a new generation of wristwatches with similar features to their Explorer series. The company began producing 14 K solid gold wristwatches powered by a new generation of movements. The Donovan, like other watches made in ’35 with a 19-jewel 982 movement, followed in the tradition of the Explorer series with their 401 movement (retooled Illinois model 207).
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| Evidence of the “Recovery” in 1935 from the depression. |
Hamilton brought out a new version of the size 12/0 401 caliber movement. The company redesigned it as a 14/0 size and new caliber 982 and 980 movements which – “curved to fit the wrist.” All first generation 982 came with solid gold models. The 980 came with 10 K gold filled cases. Collectors find 1935 Hamilton wristwatches scarce. The Donavan is the scarcest model of the “curved to fit the wrist”. I hope you find one at a garage or estate sale, so etch this one in your mind.
The watch to your right is the Seneca.
Hamilton originally named the second watch on the top row, the Seneca. The company changed the name Sherwood after release.
Hamilton bought the Howard Watch Company and used the Seneca case for the first release of a Howard wristwatch. The release of the Seneca helped secure their Hamilton’s trademark rights to the “Howard Watch Company” brand.
Hamilton’s produced the Taylor with sweep back lugs. The company produced other models with this Art Deco design including the Pierre, Prescott and Ellsworth. In Europe the Art Deco period ended in 1929, however, it continued until 1939 in the US.
Hamilton only produced approximately 3200 Winslows. Like the Donovan, the buying public didn’t consider this model compelling. In 1935, the most popular watches in the country made by Westclock and others cost $1 – thus the name dollar watch. It’s hard to compete with those, but that’s all people could afford. Again, Hamilton had a small market. Winslows and Donovans simply appealed to a limited number of people in the rejuvenated middle class.
Hamilton produced the Seckron for doctors and nurses as described in their catalog. The Seckron used a 980 17-jewel movement, The movement is a 980A caliber. Obviouly, the second hand is easy to read and allows for measuring blood pressure.
Hamilton released Rutledge to establish the company as the premiere American watch comparable to any made in Switzerland. It came in a 10% iridium platinum case with applied 18K gold numeral dial and hands to match. It also had a platinum buckle. Collectors estimate that the company made 300 of these watches. It appeared in the catalog until World War II stopped consumer production. It was a public relation coup.
In 1935, Hamilton believed that the country began to emerge from the Great Depression, so they introduced a line of low-priced watches believing sales volume would turn upward. Hamilton marketed a number of 10K gold-filled models, which included the Dixon, Drake,Lawrence, Morley, Scott, Turner and Watson, as well as the Mason.
Unless you have a strong grounding in history, you more likely than not, know about the return of the Depression in 1937. Few companies, especially Hamilton failed to see it coming.
Hamilton made a few round cased watches in the 1930’s. The Ellsworthis one of the five. Hamilton did not use hinged lugs with this model as opposed to the others.
When Hamilton released their
17-jewel 980 movement, they made the
Bartley. It had the distinction of being the first model to carry the new movement..The company originally called this model When Hamilton released their 17-jewel 980 movement, they made the Bartley the first model to carry it.. The company changed the name from “Bartlett” to “Bartley” in 1935.
For those who believed the economy was getting better, here’s some photos to remind us.
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When Hamilton released their 17-jewel 980 movement, they made the Bartley. It had the distinction of being the first model to carry the new movement..The company originally called this model When Hamilton released their 17-jewel 980 movement, they made the Bartley the first model to carry it.. The company changed the name from “Bartlett” to “Bartley” in 1935.
