Carson (1960)
1960–1963 · 10K white RGP/SS,10K yellow RGP/SS · Manual Wind
About the Carson (1960)
Made from 1960 through 1963, the Carson is a clean, square-cased dress watch running Hamilton's caliber 673, a 17-jewel manual wind movement. It was offered in two case variants: 10K yellow RGP with stainless steel back, and 10K white RGP with stainless steel back, giving collectors a choice between warm and cool tones. The dial is two-toned with embossed gold markers and a subseconds register at the six o'clock position. The Carson sits within Hamilton's broader catalog of early 1960s dress watches, a period when the company was still producing solid American-made manual wind movements alongside its growing Swiss imports.
The two-toned dial is the first thing to scrutinize on any Carson that's been sitting in a drawer for decades. Embossed markers can hold up well, but two-toned dials are tricky to refinish correctly, and a poorly redone dial is easy to spot under decent light. Finding one with an honest, unpolished original dial is worth being patient for.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Carson consistently across its three catalog years, keeping the retail price steady at $55.00 on a bracelet and $45.00 on a strap throughout the model's run. The 1960 catalog noted a 10K yellow rolled gold plate case with a stainless steel back, featuring incised markers on a yellow embossed rim. By 1961, Hamilton expanded the offering to include a white rolled gold plate option alongside the yellow, giving buyers a choice of metal tone at the same price point. The 1962 listing carried those same details forward without change, a sign that the Carson had settled into a stable position in the lineup before it was discontinued that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1960
1961
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the two-toned surface for signs of refinishing. Transitions between tones should be crisp and consistent. Embossed gold markers should have definition and not appear flattened or filled in, which can happen if the dial has been over-cleaned or buffed. |
| Crystal | The Carson takes a flat or slightly domed acrylic crystal. Check for deep scratches or crazing, and confirm it seats flush to the bezel with no gaps or lifting at the edges. |
| Movement | Dried oil is a real concern in any caliber 673 that hasn't seen a watchmaker in years. Enough friction from old lubricants can stop the movement entirely, or cause it to run erratically. Ask about recent service before assuming a running watch is a healthy one. |
| Case | The RGP layer on the case can wear through at high-contact points, particularly the lugs and caseback edge. Inspect under good light for any brass showing through. Avoid examples where someone has polished aggressively, as that accelerates wear through the gold layer. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly and that the set lever spring engages cleanly when setting the time. This spring is known to be fragile on movements of this era, and a sticky or imprecise setting action can be an early sign of trouble. |
The Movement
The caliber 673 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It's a reliable, straightforward design that winds and sets without drama when it's been properly serviced. Like most American-made Hamilton movements of this period, parts availability is reasonable, and a competent vintage watchmaker will be comfortable working on it.