Boatswain
1958–1960 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Boatswain
Made from 1958 through 1960, the Boatswain was the first model in what became a three-watch family, followed by the Boatswain II and Boatswain III. It runs on Hamilton's caliber 671, a Swiss-made manual wind movement with a center sweep seconds hand, giving the white dial a clean, uncluttered look. The case is 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate with a stainless steel back, and the dial carries embossed gold numerals with luminous fill at all hour positions. Hamilton marketed it as waterproof at the time, which was a meaningful selling point for a watch carrying a nautical name.
Finding a Boatswain in good shape means paying close attention to the case, since Rolled Gold Plate wears through at the lugs and high points over time, and what's left can't be polished back. The embossed numerals on the dial are worth a close look too, as they can trap moisture or cleaning residue that dulls the finish or causes the lume to yellow unevenly. The Boatswain was offered on either a bracelet or a strap in period, so the presence of the original bracelet is a nice find but not expected.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1959 catalog described the Boatswain as having an embossed luminous dial with sweep seconds in a waterproof yellow rolled gold plate case with stainless steel back, priced at $65 on bracelet or $55 on strap.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1959
1960
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine the embossed gold numerals carefully. The raised construction makes them vulnerable to cleaning damage and moisture intrusion over the decades. Look for consistent lume color across all hour positions and check that the minute track is intact around the perimeter. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips. A correct replacement crystal should sit flush and fit cleanly without gaps at the bezel edge. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The caliber 671 is a manual wind, and dried oil creates enough friction in the gear train to stop the movement entirely or cause erratic timekeeping. A watch that winds smoothly but stops after a few hours is a reliable sign it needs a full service. |
| Case | Inspect the lugs and case sides for wear-through on the rolled gold plate. Once the base metal is exposed, it cannot be recovered by polishing. Light surface wear is normal and acceptable; worn-through patches are a permanent condition. |
| Crown | Test the crown by setting the time and then letting go. If the stem releases or the crown pulls free unexpectedly, the set lever screw may have backed out, which is a known issue on movements of this type and needs attention before the watch is worn. |
The Movement
The caliber 671 is a Swiss-made manual wind movement produced during Hamilton's transition period, when the company was increasingly relying on Swiss ébauches for its production. Running at 17 jewels, it features a center sweep seconds hand rather than a subseconds dial, which gives watches built around it a more contemporary face. It's a generally reliable movement when clean and properly oiled, though like most movements of its era it benefits significantly from a fresh service after decades of sitting.