Carteret
1958–1960 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Carteret
Made from 1958 through 1960, the Carteret is a rectangular 14K yellow gold dress watch running Hamilton's caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual-wind movement well suited to a case this refined. The dial is silver with applied 14K gold numerals, markers, and square indices at the corners, giving it a quiet richness that reads as deliberate rather than decorative. Numerals appear at 3, 9, and 12, with a subseconds hand at 6 o'clock. The Carteret shares a close family resemblance with the Gramercy, another rectangular gold dress piece from the same period.
Finding one with the silver dial in good shape is the main challenge. Silver-finished dials oxidize over time, and dials that have been stored or worn in humid conditions can show darkening or spotting that is difficult to reverse without professional dial restoration. The two-tone variant, with decorative strips running along the left and right sides of the dial, is worth watching for as a distinct collectible variation within an already short-lived model.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Carteret in its 1958 catalog as a 22-jewel watch in a 14K yellow gold case with 14K gold numerals, markers, and squares on a sterling silver dial, worn on a strap. It retailed for $135.00, which put it firmly in Hamilton's dress tier for that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1958
1959
1960
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the silver dial for oxidation, spotting, or uneven discoloration. Applied gold numerals and markers should be fully seated with no separation at the edges. Check the square indices at the corners for any signs of adhesive failure or displacement. If you can find the two-tone variant with side strips, confirm the pattern is crisp and even. |
| Crystal | Inspect for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. A replacement crystal is acceptable, but it should fit the rectangular case cleanly without gaps or proud edges. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. In a caliber 770 that has been sitting unserviced, dried oil creates enough friction to stop the movement entirely, and a watch that runs now may not run reliably in a few months. The movement ring in the 770 is also prone to verdigris, a greenish corrosion that can contaminate the movement if left unaddressed, so a recent full service matters here. |
| Case | Examine the 14K yellow gold case for dents, deep scratches, or signs of aggressive polishing that has softened the original lines. Case backs on rectangular gold watches like this can be tricky to open, which sometimes means they have been forced in the past. Look at the back edge for tool marks or distortion. |
| Crown | Check that the crown screws in and out smoothly and that it winds and sets without slipping. A crown that feels loose or spins without engaging is a sign the stem or setting mechanism needs attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual-wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States, and it is one of the better American movements of its era. It winds and sets with a direct, confident feel, and the higher jewel count helps reduce wear at the friction points that matter most. For a dress watch in a solid gold case, it is an appropriate and well-matched movement.