Recap Watch industry specialists, like those in my family, considered Hamilton the best American watch company prior to 1971. Hamilton earned its reputation because the company led in innovation. They invented the first electric watch, friction jeweling, non-magnetic alloys for hairsprings and so forth. After 1971, the Hamilton pristine reputation remained, but it became a Swiss […]

This fascinating video from 1947 by Hamilton Watch Co details the production of watches at its Lancaster, PA, facility. (Skip to 4:52​ for the interesting bits.) It was truly in-house – the factory had its own metal foundry and oil refinery for lubricates. And notice how much is still the same in watchmaking.

I bought this 1949  “Hamilton Vardon” and restored it without knowing much about it. I just liked the look. As it turned out, I had an iconic watch. One that collectors value. Hamilton attempted to create a water proof case similar to the Rolex Oyster with a cup-like back and a sealed bezel and two-piece

Black Dial 1983 Tuxedo 1940’s Post War Model 1930’s Pre-War Fully Restored Lester 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

Since 1983, I have purchased about 500 collectible Hamilton wristwatches. I have a fondness for late Americana Art Deco styles,  so I purchased many watches catalogued by Hamilton  between 1921 and 1939. The company made most of those with 17 and 19 jewel movements. I come from an old European jewelry family and despite my