Andrews
1931–1934 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Andrews
The Andrews was made from 1931 through 1934, a rectangular dress watch offered in 14K white or 14K yellow gold. It runs on Hamilton's caliber 401, a 19-jewel manual wind movement housed in a case that Hamilton described as 'inspective', a period term for a style that was meant to look substantial and refined on the wrist. The Andrews doesn't belong to a named family like the Piping Rock or Coronado, but it fits squarely in Hamilton's early 1930s line of rectangular gold dress watches aimed at buyers who wanted something polished and legible.
Dial condition is the first thing to assess on an Andrews. Three distinct variants have been documented: the luminous painted lume numeral dial, a raised gold figure dial, and an engraved dial, and each ages differently. The luminous dials in particular can show fading, cracking, or discoloration in the painted numerals after nine decades, which affects both appearance and value. Finding one with an honest, unrestored dial in solid shape is genuinely satisfying.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Andrews in 1932 as 'a handsome new model in inspective case of 14K white or natural yellow gold,' priced at $100.00, a significant sum at the time, placing it firmly in the upper tier of Hamilton's dress watch offerings.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1932
1933
1934
What to Look For
| Dial | Three dial variants are known: luminous painted lume numerals, raised gold figures, and an engraved version. Check the painted numerals carefully on lume dials for chips, flaking, or uneven fading. Refinished dials exist and can be hard to spot, look for overly uniform color and blurred numeral edges. |
| Crystal | Crystals on watches this age have almost certainly been replaced at least once. Make sure the replacement fits cleanly with no gaps and sits flush with the case edge. A poorly fitted crystal can trap moisture. |
| Movement | The caliber 401 is scarce, and spare parts are effectively unavailable through normal supply channels. A watchmaker working on one is largely limited to parts scavenged from Illinois-derived donor movements. Dried lubricants are a real concern on any watch of this age, enough friction buildup will stop the movement entirely. Confirm it's running before purchase, and budget for a full service. |
| Case | Verify whether the case is 14K white or 14K yellow gold and confirm with hallmarks if possible. Look for dents, deep scratches, or evidence of heavy polishing that has softened the case edges. Case backs on watches from this era can be difficult to open, and improper attempts leave marks, check the back edge for tool damage. |
| Crown | The crown should unscrew or pull out cleanly and engage the movement for winding without slipping. A worn crown or damaged stem is a common issue on watches this old and worth noting before purchase, since sourcing correct replacements can take time. |
The Movement
The caliber 401 is a 19-jewel manual wind movement with roots in Hamilton's collaboration with Illinois Watch Company designs from the early American watchmaking tradition. It's a well-built movement for its era, but its age and relative scarcity make it one of the more demanding calibers to service properly. Anyone considering an Andrews should go in knowing that keeping this movement running long-term depends on finding a watchmaker comfortable working with period American movements and willing to source parts creatively.