In the late 1930’s extended, Americanized Art Deco period, Hamilton designed several tank style watches with relatively high expectations. The masters of industry expected the country to emerge from the depression in 1937. Employment saw a massive increase and then the bottom fell out again.
Hamilton Watch Company’s management loaded up on inventory and even debuted a new line of product called the “affordable watch.” The lower priced models used the best movement the company had made to date. It also had a cheap case made with 10K gold instead of the 14K, heavy case jewelers and their patrons expected to see from Lancaster PA.
Given the slow down in sales, they company did not envision that any of their 14K thin models would become popular. The thin model line did OK, but one model in particular, the Boulton, would become the most popular American wristwatches ever produced.
Today’s Boulton from Hamilton Watch is larger than the original. For example, it has an 18mm lug vs a 14mm lug in the original Boultons. The silver dial bears the same style of gold-colored numbers and hands plus a round second-counter. The H134110 uses a 15 Jewel, ETA 980.163 Swiss quartz movement. It originally retailed for $695. The original Boulton sold for about $52.
This link to the Hamilton Watch web site provides a look at the newest version of the American Classic Boulton.
The largest selection of Hamilton watches are under Hamilton Boulton Listings from eBay.
The second largest selection, believe it or not, is on Google. Here’s the search page for “images”. Not all of the watches on this page are for sale. Many suffer from link rot or are completely listings. Some are from this blog. Still it will give you an idea of what’s available.
The one presented here comes from my collection and has some advantages that I prefer. The H134110 model is larger than the H134315 (30mm versus 27mm). It has a curved back, is slightly thinner and has yellow gold plating, instead of a PVD coating.
I find comparing vintage watches difficult. Each has its own unique features. I just have a liking for the H132110. If I want, I could wear it every day. I don’t believe that’s possible with the vintage models other than the 1982 reissue limited edition. I don’t wear the ’82 watch for fear of damaging it. Hamilton only made 2000-3000 and about 40 re still in existence.
I’ve taken some photos of my H134110.
Gallery:
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The watch depicted above differs with the Boulton on the Hamilton site. Unfortunately, you’re not going to find an H134110 in the retail market. Since I couldn’t find a new one, I located one worth restoring.
Here’s what I did: Replaced the movement and the band. (I found a new old stock brown leather Hamilton band.) I didn’t have to do anything o the crystal or dial. The one above has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal instead of one made of mineral glass. That’s about a $50 premium to the newer version.
Other specifics include:
A 100% stainless steel case with yellow gold plating, an oyster/grey butler finished dial, Arabic numerals and a sub-second hand at the 6 o’clock position.
The measurements are: Width: 30 mm / Length: 42 mm / Thickness: 7.5 mm / Lug Width: 18 mm
I’m partial to this particular Hamilton as an every day watch. It’s the sturdiest one I’ve owned and I have a crop of Boulton models. Unfortunately, the H134110 is no longer available. I searched the globe for another. I found some preowned models, but I didn’t see one I could restore and make it look like new.
So, there you have it!
If you find an H134110, I think you’ll have the best one Hamilton made.
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