Drake B
1964 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate · Manual Wind
About the Drake B
Made only in 1964, the Drake B is a clean, round-cased manual wind with a white dial and applied gold numerals and markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12. It runs on the caliber 686, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, housed in a 10K yellow RGP case. The Drake B is part of the broader Drake family, which Hamilton offered in a handful of variations during this period. Hamilton sold it two ways: on a bracelet for $59.95 or on a strap for $49.95.
Applied indices on a white dial can look beautiful when cared for, but this is exactly where condition matters most. Check closely for any separation or missing markers, and look at the overall crispness of the dial surface, since white dials from this era are notoriously difficult to refinish convincingly. Finding a Drake B with a clean, untouched dial is the thing worth holding out for.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1964 catalog described the Drake B as shock-resistant, anti-magnetic, and fitted with an unbreakable mainspring, with the waterproof and dustproof rating noted as dependent on seals remaining intact. It was priced at $59.95 on bracelet or $49.95 on strap.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | White dials show their age in ways that can be hard to reverse. Look for yellowing, spotting, or any moisture damage. The applied gold numerals and markers can pull away from the dial or corrode at their edges, so check each one carefully under good light. A dial that has been refinished often loses the crispness of the original printing and can look flat or slightly off-color. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing in the crystal. A hazy or heavily scratched crystal can make the dial hard to read and affects the overall presentation. Replacement crystals for round cases this size are generally available, but confirm the fit is correct before buying. |
| Movement | The caliber 686 is a manual wind, so wind it fully before evaluating how it runs. Dried lubricants are a real concern in any movement that has been sitting unworn, and even light friction from dried oil can be enough to stop the watch entirely. If it feels gritty or uneven when winding, assume it needs a service. |
| Case | 10K yellow RGP cases wear through to base metal at high-contact areas over time, particularly on the lugs and case back edges. Examine those spots closely. The case back can be tricky to open without the right tools, so look for evidence of pry marks or damage around the seam from past attempts. |
| Crown | Check that the crown threads smoothly and seats properly. A loose or sticky crown often points to a damaged stem or worn crown tube, both of which require movement removal to address. Also note that even though Hamilton originally marketed this as waterproof-dustproof, vintage rubber seals degrade over decades and should not be relied upon. |
The Movement
The caliber 686 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's domestic production era. It winds from the crown and requires a full wind to run correctly, rather than staying powered through wrist motion like an automatic. It is a dependable workhorse caliber, though its reassembly requires care, particularly when aligning the gear train and bridge.