Boone
1935–1938 · 14k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Boone
The Boone ran from 1935 through 1938, a rectangular dress watch offered in 14K yellow Gold Filled cases and powered by Hamilton's caliber 980, a 17-jewel manual-wind movement. It came in two dial configurations: the two-tone gold-finished dial with inlaid black enamel numerals and markers, and a version with applied gold numerals. The two-tone dial was actually priced slightly higher at $58.50, while the applied gold numeral version came in at $55.50, which is an interesting reversal of the usual pricing logic. The Boone belongs to Hamilton's broad 1930s rectangular dress watch lineup, a period when the brand was producing some of its most refined American-made designs.
Finding a clean Boone today means paying close attention to the dial, since the inlaid black enamel can chip or show hairline cracks that are nearly impossible to repair invisibly. The two-tone gold-finished surface is also vulnerable to polishing damage, so a dial that still shows crisp contrast between its tones is genuinely worth seeking out. The 14K Gold Filled cases from this era wear well when they haven't been over-polished, and the straight lug profile gives the Boone a tidy, purposeful look that holds up on the wrist.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1935 catalog listed the Boone in 14K filled natural yellow gold only, with the two-tone inlaid enamel dial version priced at $58.50 and the applied gold numeral dial version at $55.50, both referencing the combination dial as finished in two tones to match the case.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1935
1936
1937
1938
What to Look For
| Dial | Inspect the inlaid black enamel carefully under good light. Chipping, cracking, or uneven surfaces in the enamel are common and hard to restore cleanly. The two-tone gold finish should show distinct contrast between the tones. Any hazy or blotchy appearance suggests the dial has been refinished, which affects value significantly. |
| Crystal | These take a flat or very slightly domed crystal. Check that the current crystal fits cleanly without gaps at the bezel edge, and confirm it isn't separating from the bezel or crazed, which can happen with old acrylic replacements. |
| Movement | The caliber 980 is a solid movement but dried lubricants can create enough friction to stop it or cause it to run erratically. If the watch stops under light positional changes or runs significantly fast or slow, assume a full service is overdue. The mainspring in watches of this age frequently needs replacement as well. |
| Case | The 14K gold-filled case should show even wear at the lugs and case edges. Heavy polishing flattens the engraving and softens the lug profiles, which is a common issue on watches that have been cleaned or buffed by non-specialists over the decades. Check the case back for dents or signs of forced opening. |
| Crown | Confirm the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without slipping. A worn or replaced crown that doesn't match the period is a minor cosmetic issue, but a crown that spins without engaging the movement points to a worn keyless works that needs attention before the watch can be used. |
The Movement
The caliber 980 is a 17-jewel manual-wind movement made in Hamilton's Lancaster, Pennsylvania facility. It winds from the crown, has no automatic mechanism, and needs to be wound daily for regular use. At 17 jewels it has friction-reducing jewel bearings at the key wear points, and it's a well-regarded movement that responds well to a proper service with fresh lubricants.