The message of this article: Do not fear purchasing new Hamilton Bands shown in the 1939 catalog. They may look strange, but you may find a treasure. The company used the best leather of the time and though it’s about 75 years old, it brings vintage watches back to life.
On occasion, you might find vintage Hamilton watchbands (also referred to as New Old Stock or NOS). The term means that product never sold and wound up in inventory. In the case of Hamilton Bands, NOS means very old stock.
You will see them from time to time on eBay, Amazon, and other public websites. I look for vintage Hamilton bands in various places, including liquidating jewelry stores or old stores going out of business. Estate sale shoppers also find them and sell them at flea markets and in antique malls.
I found one watch band catalog dated 1939.
 |
| From 1939 Catalog |
I also found a band in very good shape. Again, recall the leather had about 75 years to dry out.
 |
| Purchased on eBay for $69 |
 |
| Same band as above after restoration. The color returned. |
 |
| Hamilton Boulton Fitted with the band above |
I have restored the leather on the bands below. I found them as New Old Stock.
As a collector/trader/seller, I want watches as close to the original as possible. These watch straps allow me to fit my better watches with original bands. Notice the Boulton below with a modern band. I like the appearance. I can wear it today, but it does lack that 1930’s New York World’s Fair, Art Deco nostalgia.
Click here to see Hamilton Watch Bands
on eBay.
Copyright 2006-2017 | All Rights Reserved
