Edwin
1965–1969 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Edwin
Made from 1965 through 1969, the Edwin is part of Hamilton's Medallion family, a line of dressier models aimed at the upper end of Hamilton's domestic catalog. The case is 10K yellow Gold Filled with a square profile and straight lugs, and the silver dial carries hand-applied 14K gold numerals and markers. Power comes from the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a range of its more refined models during this period. Bracelet and strap configurations were both offered, with pricing reflecting the Edwin's position as a step above Hamilton's everyday dress watches.
The silver dial with hand-applied 14K gold numerals is the detail worth scrutinizing most closely on an Edwin. Applied markers can pull away from the dial, tarnish at the edges, or show adhesion failures after decades, and a dial in genuinely clean condition is harder to find than the case itself. The Thinline 2015 shares a close family relationship with the Edwin, so the two are worth comparing side by side if you're exploring this corner of the Medallion lineup.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Edwin in its 1965 catalog at $89.50 on strap and $100 on bracelet, describing the dial as silver with hand-applied 14K gold numerals and markers. By 1968, pricing had moved to $100 on strap and $110 on bracelet, reflecting the model's continued place in Hamilton's dressed-up Medallion offerings.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1965
1966
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at each applied 14K gold numeral and marker. Check for any separation at the edges, tarnish halos around the feet, or markers that have shifted from their original position. The silver dial itself should be even in tone with no pitting or water staining. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches, crazing, or chips around the edges. A heavily scratched crystal can be replaced, but it's a useful indicator of how the watch was treated overall. |
| Movement | The 770 is a manual wind, so wind it fully before evaluating how it runs. Dried lubricants are a real concern in any movement of this age, and a watch that hasn't been serviced in years may run poorly or stop altogether once the oil has gummed up enough to create friction. |
| Case | 10K yellow gold-filled cases wear through at the high points over time, particularly on the lugs and caseback edges. Check those areas for brass showing through. The square case back on the Edwin can be tricky to open without the right tool, so look for evidence of improper opening attempts around the back edge. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without slipping or grinding. A worn or replaced crown on a gold-filled case can be cosmetically mismatched and is worth noting. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement, and it's one of the more robust American-made Hamilton calibers from this era. It winds from the crown, requires regular winding to keep running, and is well-regarded for its accuracy and repairability. The higher jewel count reflects Hamilton's intent to position this movement in their better-grade watches.