Cordell
1963 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Cordell
Made only in 1963, the Cordell was part of Hamilton's Medallion Series, a line positioned as the top of the conventional men's watch lineup. The case is 14K yellow gold with a Florentined finish, and the watch was sold as a set with a matching gold bracelet. Inside is Hamilton's caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement. The white dial carries applied gold stick markers with no numeral hour markers.
Finding a Cordell complete with its original 14K gold bracelet is genuinely uncommon. Bracelets from this era were often swapped out or lost, and a matched set in good condition commands real attention. The Florentined finish on the case is a brushed texture treatment that shows wear more honestly than a polished surface, so condition of that finish is worth scrutinizing closely.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Medallion Series as the supreme achievement in conventional men's watches, emphasizing the combination of distinguished case designs and superior craftsmanship inside and out. The Cordell with bracelet carried an original retail price of $300.00 in 1963, placing it firmly at the top of Hamilton's men's lineup for that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
What to Look For
| Dial | The white dial should be clean and even, with no spotting, discoloration, or separation around the applied gold stick markers. Check that all markers are present and sitting flat against the dial surface. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, crazing, or deep scratches. A replacement crystal is usually available, but original crystals in good condition are always preferable. |
| Movement | The caliber 770 is a manual wind and needs regular winding. Dried oil on a movement this age creates enough friction to stop it entirely, so if the watch isn't running or is running inconsistently, a service should be expected before putting it into rotation. |
| Case | Examine the Florentined finish carefully. Over-polishing destroys that texture permanently, so look for a case where the finish has honest wear rather than one that's been buffed smooth. Check for dents or dings along the case band. |
| Crown | The crown should thread or seat firmly and feel positive when setting the hands. A loose or wobbly crown on a gold-cased watch can mean a worn or replaced stem. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It runs at 18,800 beats per hour and is regarded as one of the more refined movements from Hamilton's American production era. The higher jewel count reflects the quality tier this movement was built for, and a well-serviced 770 keeps solid time.