Clearview
1958–1961 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Clearview
Made from 1958 through 1961, the Clearview pairs Hamilton's caliber 735 with a 14K yellow gold case and one of the more refined dials Hamilton produced in this period. The silver dial carries applied 14K gold numerals at 12 and 6, applied gold markers at 3 and 9, and embossed markers with a pearled track running the circumference. A sweep seconds hand completes the layout. The Clearview is related to the Converta III, which shared similar design sensibilities in the same era.
The silver dial is the thing to scrutinize first on any Clearview. Silver dials of this period can develop toning or patina in ways that range from attractive to problematic, and the embossed markers are shallow enough that heavy cleaning can flatten them. The applied gold numerals at 12 and 6 and the markers at 3 and 9 are solid 14K, so they hold up well on their own, but watch for any separation at the feet, which signals a previous impact or overzealous dial cleaning.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Clearview in 1958 as an 18-jewel watch in a 14K yellow gold case, with 14K gold numerals and markers and embossed markers set against a pearled track on a sterling silver dial, sold on a strap. The original retail price was $150.00, placing it firmly in Hamilton's premium dress watch tier for the period.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1958
1959
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine the silver dial closely for toning, spotting, or uneven discoloration. The embossed markers should retain crisp definition. Any softening of the embossed detail suggests the dial has been cleaned too aggressively at some point. The applied 14K gold numerals at 12 and 6 and the markers at 3 and 9 should sit flush and tight, with no separation or tilting. |
| Crystal | The Clearview uses a domed crystal that follows the case profile. Check for chips at the edge, deep scratches across the crown, and any crazing or cloudiness that would obscure the dial. A replacement crystal is available but must match the dome height correctly, since the hands sit close to the crystal. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The caliber 735 is not a difficult movement to service, but dried oil creates enough friction to stop it entirely, and a watch that has been sitting for years often appears to run fine at first before fading out within hours. Confirm the watch winds smoothly with no gritty resistance and runs consistently before purchasing. |
| Case | The 14K yellow gold case should be examined for deep wear on the lugs and case edges. Some polishing is common but heavy buffing rounds the lug profiles noticeably. The case back can be tricky to open on these, so if the seller cannot confirm case back removal, factor in a service visit to assess the movement condition yourself. |
| Crown | The crown should turn smoothly through winding and set positions without slipping or catching. A worn crown on a 14K gold case is worth addressing promptly, since the correct replacement crown for this case style is not always easy to source. |
The Movement
The caliber 735 is an 18-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It is a clean, dependable caliber from Hamilton's late domestic production period, wound by hand and reliable when properly serviced. The jewel count reflects Hamilton's commitment to quality in its gold-cased dress watches of this era, reducing friction at the key wear points in the gear train.