Dickens
1938–1939 · 14k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Dickens
Made from 1938 through 1939, the Dickens is a long rectangular dress watch built on Hamilton's caliber 980, housed in a 14K yellow Gold Filled case curved to follow the wrist. The dial carries applied gold numerals, described in Hamilton's own catalog as 18K gold, with markers at all positions except 6 o'clock, where a gold dot takes their place. The Dickens shares its general character with several related models from the same era, including the Clark, Carlisle, and Gilman, each offering a slightly different take on the elongated rectangular case that Hamilton favored for its dressier offerings in the late 1930s.
Finding a Dickens in honest condition is a small event, given its two-year run. The dial is the first thing to scrutinize: those 18K applied gold numerals can come loose or lose their finish over decades, and a dial with clean, crisp numerals that still sit flush is not something to pass up. One known variant features a gold dot at the 6 o'clock position, and both configurations carry the same quiet elegance that made these long rectangular Hamilton cases so appealing in period.
From the Catalog
Hamilton positioned the Dickens as a dress option in its 1938 lineup, describing it as a popular long rectangular design curved to fit the wrist, offered only in natural yellow gold-fill with an 18K applied gold numeral dial, at a retail price of $52.50.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1939
What to Look For
| Dial | Inspect each applied gold numeral closely for separation, corrosion, or loss of finish. The gold dot at 6 o'clock is a small detail that often shows wear or discoloration first. Any rippling or cloudiness in the silver dial finish usually means moisture got in at some point. |
| Crystal | The curved case calls for a fitted crystal, and replacements that don't match the original profile will sit noticeably wrong. Check for chips at the edges and confirm the crystal follows the contour of the case without gaps. |
| Movement | Dried oil is a real concern on any caliber 980 at this age. A watch that ticks weakly, stops when laid flat, or runs inconsistently is telling you the lubricants have gone solid. Budget for a full service before putting this one on the wrist. |
| Case | Gold-filled cases from this era can show brass breakthrough at high-wear points, particularly on the caseback edges and lugs. Check for polishing that has rounded the crisp lines of the case, which is a common casualty of well-meaning but heavy-handed refinishing. |
| Crown | Confirm the crown is original and pulls out smoothly through both positions without slipping. A loose or ill-fitting crown on a watch this age often means the stem has been replaced at some point, and a mismatched stem can cause winding or setting problems. |
The Movement
The caliber 980 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton produced through much of the 1930s and into the 1940s. It is a reliable, well-regarded caliber in collector circles, though like any movement approaching ninety years old, it needs fresh lubricants to run properly. The subseconds dial at 6 o'clock is driven by a dedicated seconds train, which gives the dial its classic dress-watch layout.