Drew B
1956 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Drew B
Made only in 1956, the Drew B is a clean, circular dress watch built around the ETA 1220, a 17-jewel Swiss manual wind movement. Hamilton offered it in a 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate case with a stainless steel back, with two purchasing options: bracelet or strap. The dial is the defining feature here, described in period catalogs as embossed, with applied gold markers and no Arabic or Roman numerals, just markers arranged around a silver dial with a subseconds register.
Embossed dials from this era can show moisture damage or flaking if the watch has been stored poorly, so look closely before buying. The applied gold markers are worth inspecting as well, since any loose or missing ones are harder to source than you might hope. Finding a Drew B with an honest, unmolested dial and original bracelet in good shape is a satisfying discovery.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Drew B simply as a 10K yellow rolled gold case with stainless steel back and an embossed dial, available on bracelet for $55.00 or on strap for $49.50 in 1956. The bracelet option was the more common choice at the time, and finding one complete with its original bracelet today is a genuine bonus.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1956
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the embossed dial surface for any bubbling, separation, or moisture damage. Check each applied gold marker to confirm all are present, seated flat, and showing no signs of corrosion or detachment at the edges. |
| Crystal | These watches take a domed acrylic crystal. Confirm it fits the case properly with no gaps, and check for deep scratches or crazing that would affect legibility. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. In an ETA 1220 that has gone years without attention, dried oil creates enough friction to stop the watch outright. A watch that is running but erratic is often one service away from running well, but confirm it has actually been serviced. |
| Case | The 10K yellow rolled gold plate layer on the case can wear through on high-contact areas like the lugs and caseback edge. Check those spots under good light. The stainless steel back is more durable but look for signs of improper opening, including tool marks or dings on the edge. |
| Crown | Wind the crown slowly and feel for grinding or slipping. The crown should seat firmly at rest and turn smoothly through the full winding motion. |
The Movement
The ETA 1220 is a 17-jewel Swiss manual wind caliber that Hamilton used in several dress models from the mid-1950s. It is a straightforward, reliable movement, shock resistant, and accurate when properly serviced. Not as well-known as some of Hamilton's American-made calibers from the same period, but it is a solid performer with a good track record among collectors.