Cabot 'B'
1956 · SS · Manual Wind
About the Cabot 'B'
Made only in 1956, the Cabot 'B' is a clean, straightforward stainless steel dress watch powered by the ETA 1220, a manually wound Swiss lever movement running 17 jewels. The case is round, the dial white, and the overall presentation is restrained without being plain. The Cabot name was used across a small cluster of models during this period, and the 'B' designation distinguishes this particular configuration within that group.
Finding a Cabot 'B' in solid shape takes some patience given the single production year. The embossed silver numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12, along with the embossed silver markers, hold up well when the dial has been kept dry and away from light, but any moisture intrusion tends to show up as spotting or silvering loss around the numerals first. The subseconds dial at 6 o'clock is a nice detail on a dial this uncluttered, and it gives the watch a quiet formality that suits the case well.
From the Catalog
Hamilton marketed the Cabot 'B' as a refined stainless steel model suited to everyday elegance, and it was priced accessibly within Hamilton's dress watch lineup for 1956.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1956
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the embossed silver numerals and markers under good light. Moisture damage tends to show first as dark spotting or a matte graying around the raised elements. A clean, bright white background with crisp embossing is what you want. |
| Crystal | The acrylic crystal on these can yellow or craze with age. Check for deep scratches that catch the light across the middle of the crystal, not just at the edges. A hazy crystal is replaceable, but confirm the correct diameter before ordering. |
| Movement | Stored examples of the ETA 1220 frequently sit with dried lubricants, and that friction alone can be enough to stop the movement entirely. A watch that won't run, or that runs only briefly after being wound, almost certainly needs a full service before use. |
| Case | Stainless steel cases from this era are generally durable, but check the case back for tool marks from previous openings. The back can be snug, and amateur attempts to pry it open sometimes leave visible damage around the seam. |
| Crown | Test the crown through both winding and setting. It should engage each position with a clear, firm feel. Slipping or grinding during winding can indicate worn stem or keyless works, and replacements for this generation of ETA movements require some sourcing effort. |
The Movement
The ETA 1220 is a manually wound Swiss movement that Hamilton sourced during its transition toward Swiss-made calibers in the mid-1950s. At 17 jewels, it is a well-jeweled movement for its class, built for reliable timekeeping and reasonably straightforward servicing. It winds and sets smoothly when properly lubricated, but like most movements of this era, dried oil is its most common adversary after years in storage.