Colby
1957–1958 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Colby
Made from 1957 through 1958, the Colby pairs Hamilton's caliber 673 manual wind movement with a cushion-shaped case in 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate over a stainless steel back. The dial is finished in silver with embossed gold numerals and markers at the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 positions, giving it a texture and dimensionality that reads differently from a printed dial. The Colby is part of a cluster of related models from this period including the Colby B, Paxton, Paxton B, Cabot, and Cabot B, each sharing similar design DNA with small variations in case or dial treatment.
The embossed dial is the thing to pay close attention to on these. That butler finish and raised gold-colored detail is specific to this model, and any past refinishing attempt is likely to fall short of the original texture and character. Finding one with a clean, unpolished case and an intact dial is the goal.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Colby in 1957 at $49.50 on strap or $55.00 on bracelet, describing it simply as a 10K yellow rolled gold case with stainless steel back and embossed dial. The embossed detail was clearly the selling point Hamilton wanted buyers to notice.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1957
1958
What to Look For
| Dial | The embossed butler-finished dial is difficult to refinish correctly, and most attempts don't match the original texture. Look carefully for any signs of repainting, flaking, or loss of the raised detail on the numerals and markers. An honest original dial, even with some age, is preferable to a touched-up one. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, deep scratches, or a poor-fitting replacement. A crystal that sits slightly proud or has visible gaps at the edge is a sign it was swapped out at some point, which is minor but worth knowing. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. In a caliber 673 that has been sitting unserviced, dried oil creates enough friction to stop the movement. If the watch is sluggish or stops after a few hours, budget for a service. Also be aware that the set lever spring in this caliber is prone to breaking, so confirm the hand-setting function works smoothly before buying. |
| Case | This is a rolled gold plate case, not solid gold, so heavy polishing over the years can wear through the plating and expose the base metal underneath. Check the lugs and case edges closely. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without slipping or catching. A crown that feels gritty or loose may indicate a worn stem or a set lever spring that needs attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 673 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a range of dress watches from this era. It is a reliable, well-proportioned movement that rewards regular servicing. One thing to be aware of: dried oil in an unserviced 673 creates enough friction to stop the movement entirely, so a watch that winds but won't run consistently almost certainly needs a cleaning before anything else.