- Country of Manufacture - USA
- Year - 1940s
- Serial - G201303
- Model - N/A
- Movement & caliber - Cal 980
- Case diameter - 22.5 mm x 43 mm long
- This Item is Final Sale
- Do not expose the watch to water or any form of moisture as it is vintage.
A 14k gold filled Hamilton Curvex watch. These very handsome watches were made a period in time when the time piece was a lot more than a mere 'fashion accessory'. Watches, such as this, were vital tools in the every day use of their job. These models were quite popular during the 1930’s and ’40’s and were part of the brand offerings for many watch makers such as Patek Philippe, Guen, Longines and Movado to name a few.
This is also a masterful case study in Art Deco design. The long sweeping case has subtle and elegant stepped edges evoking the details popping up all over the world, and in particular with buildings such as the Rockefeller Center and Empire State Building. The silvered dial is accented with stylish applied Arabic numerals. The dial is also swiping over the wrist with the stylish graduated subsidiary seconds placed at the base of the dial, having been given its own space.
Hamilton succeeded three watch firms manufacturing timepieces in the same Lancaster, PA facilities, including the Lancaster Watch Company. The precursor to the Hamilton Watch Co., the Keystone Standard Watch Co. based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was founded by Abram Bitner in 1886 after he purchased the Lancaster Watch Company's factory.
During the U.S. railroad expansion, Hamilton maintained over 56% market share, with railroads purchasing all of its production. As the market shifted from pocket watches to wristwatches after World War I, the company adapted by manufacturing wristwatches. However, during World War II, Hamilton pivoted its business model to serve the military, discontinuing consumer products.
Following the death of company president Jacob Bunn, Jr., the Hamilton Watch Co. purchased the Illinois Watch Co. The Illinois factory continued operations in Springfield until 1932, with Illinois movements finished at the Hamilton factory until 1948.
The watch is powered by a mechanically wound caliber 980 movement, which at the time of production was a high grade movement and very accurate. Another reason that these models were favored and desirable.
The watch overall is in excellent condition. Very few of these pieces survive today with their original dials. Many have, unfortunately, been refinished like this one. However, this has been done sensitively. The case remains in very good condition. There is wear, but nothing overly distracting.
If you are a fan of broad and long sweeping tank style cases, this is a fine example of a very eye catching watch. A real piece of Art Deco industrial and graphic design. A piece that will catch the eye of even the most accomplished watch collector.
