Doublet
1962–1964 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Doublet
Made from 1962 through 1964, the Doublet is part of Hamilton's Medallion Series, a line positioned as the flagship of the company's conventional dress watch offerings. It runs on the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement, housed in a 14K yellow gold round case. The applied 14K gold numerals and markers on the light silver dial give it a clean, quietly luxurious look that fits neatly with the Medallion Series ethos of understated refinement.
Finding one in good shape means paying close attention to the dial, which can show patina or discoloration around the applied markers over the decades. The 14K gold case holds up well to age but should be checked for excessive thinning from polishing, since these were dress pieces that often got cleaned up and refinished by previous owners.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Doublet as part of the Medallion Series, which the company described as the finest in conventional watches for men, with designs of exceptional artistry and masculine elegance. The original retail price in 1962 was $175.00 for the 14K yellow gold case on strap.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1962
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely around the base of each applied gold numeral and marker. Over time, moisture can work its way under the feet of applied indices and cause the dial to develop staining, pitting, or separation from the base. Minor spotting is common and usually stable, but markers that are pulling away or flaking are a more serious concern. The silver dial surface should be even in tone, without dark hazing or water damage. |
| Crystal | Check the crystal for chips along the edge and deep scratches across the face. A replacement crystal is not a dealbreaker, but confirm it fits the bezel properly with no gaps, which can let dust and moisture into the case. |
| Movement | The caliber 770 is a manual wind, so give it a full wind before evaluating how it runs. Dried lubricants are a common issue at this age, and a watch that has been sitting can stop or run erratically even if nothing is mechanically wrong. A service will sort it out, but factor that in. Also note that the case back on these can be stubborn to open, so look for signs of previous forced entry around the back edge. |
| Case | The 14K yellow gold case should be examined carefully for deep scratches, dings, and over-polishing. A case that has been heavily refinished will show soft, rounded lugs where crisp edges used to be. That does not affect function, but it matters to collectors. Check the case back for legible hallmarks and engravings, which help confirm gold content and provenance. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown winds smoothly without slipping or grinding, and that it sets the hands without resistance. A worn or replaced crown is common on older dress watches and worth noting, especially on a gold case where matching the finish matters visually. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across several of its higher-grade dress models in this era. The elevated jewel count reflects a focus on reducing friction at key bearing points, which contributes to both accuracy and longevity when the movement is properly serviced. It winds by hand through the crown, so it needs to be wound regularly to keep running.