Baron II
1961–1964 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Baron II
Made from 1961 through 1964, the Baron II pairs Hamilton's caliber 731 manual wind movement with a 14K gold case and a silver dial set with five diamonds at select hour positions. The case was offered in both 14K yellow and 14K white gold, giving buyers a choice that wasn't always standard at this price point. Applied gold markers fill the remaining positions where diamonds don't appear, keeping the dial clean without leaving it bare. The Baron II is part of Hamilton's broader dress watch lineup from this era, sharing shelf space with similarly proportioned round-cased models built for formal wear.
The silver dial is the detail worth paying closest attention to on these. Silver dials age differently than lacquered brass, and a Baron II that has been stored in humidity or opened carelessly can show patina, spotting, or worse. A clean, unrestored example with all five diamonds present and the applied markers still seated flush is a genuinely nice find. The white gold variant tends to be slightly harder to come by than the yellow, though both were listed in the same catalog year.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Baron II as carrying a conventional 17-jewel movement in a 14K gold case with five diamonds on a sterling silver dial, paired with a black lizard strap. In 1962, Hamilton priced it at $150.00, positioning it comfortably in the mid-range of their gold dress watch offerings for that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | The dial is silver, which ages in its own way. Check for spotting, tarnish, or cloudiness, especially near the edges where moisture tends to collect first. Confirm all five diamonds are present and uncracked, and that the applied gold markers are flat against the dial surface with no separation or gaps at the base. |
| Crystal | Look for chips, crazing, or deep scratches. A fogged or hazy crystal can sometimes obscure dial condition underneath, so get the light at an angle before assuming the dial is clean. |
| Movement | The caliber 731 is a manual wind, and lubricants dry out on movements this age. Dried oil generates friction that can slow or stop the watch entirely, so a Baron II running well without a recent service is more the exception than the rule. Budget for a full service before trusting it as a daily wearer. |
| Case | Verify whether the case is 14K yellow or white gold, and check that the metal hasn't been polished so aggressively that the case edges have lost their original definition. The swept lugs on this case are a nice feature and worth preserving. Case backs on gold dress watches from this era can be tight, so look for evidence of prying around the back edge before purchase. |
| Crown | The crown should seat firmly and wind the movement smoothly without slipping or grinding. A loose or damaged crown is a common entry point for moisture, which matters especially on a silver dial. |
The Movement
The caliber 731 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States during this period. It is a conventional lever escapement movement, meaning it winds and sets in the traditional way with no automatic rotor. At 17 jewels it is well-jeweled for a dress watch of this era, with friction-reducing jewels at the key points in the gear train and escapement. The 731 is a solid, serviceable caliber and responds well to a proper cleaning and oiling.