Hamilton released the 1935 Lester again during the early post-World War II period. This popular watch arrived at a time when American watch companies started re-entering the consumer market. Prior to 1945, US watch manufacturers had to dedicate all their production to the military.
The Lester came with a 19 Jewel manual wind 982 movement. The watch had a popular gold filled rectangular case. Collectors considered it a nice find since it has an elegant look and reliable movement. The dial has raised gold attached 18K hour markers and hands and a second hand in the six o’clock position. Hamilton produced many of its dials from this era with an oyster-silver color known as a Butler finish.
Production of the post-war Lester began in 1945 and continued until 1952. You will find that the “Lester” falls into a group of watches with similar designs such as the Boulton, Stuart, Grover and Emerson. These models remain popular vintage Hamilton watches.
Hamilton supplied the manual-wind 982 movement
If you like the looks of the vintage Lester and have trouble finding one or consider a mechanical watch too costly because of it needing service, you might look for the “reissued Swiss version” with a Quartz movement. (continued below).
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The company released another wave of Hamilton Art Deco models in 1982 and again in 1986.
The 1938 Lester came with either a black or white dial, raised numerals, gold applied hands with the second hand in the 6 o’clock position.
The Swiss 1980’s models had white and oyster gray dials.
Hans Scholl began Hamilton’s second retro watch initiative.
With new suppliers needed to meet demand, he commissioned Schwab & Wuischpard to produce the cases to the original specifications. The company had to make new tools to re-create the original hands. The first five original reintroduced Hamilton models had gold backs and ETA 580.001 (Omega & Tissot)
American Express’ Platinum Club, Bloomingdale’s, Bullock’s, Filene’s, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Strawbridge & Clothier, Wanamaker’s or Woodward & Lothrop sold the five gold filled or plated models between 1986 and 1989. Hamilton made the Lester with gold filled cases.
If you’re looking for a Lester, you might find one in our shop at Etsy.