Ellsworth
1935 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Ellsworth
Made from 1935 through 1935, the Ellsworth was introduced as part of Hamilton's push toward round-cased models at a time when the market was increasingly favoring the shape. It runs on either the caliber 987E or 987F, both 17-jewel manual wind movements, housed in a 10K yellow Gold Filled case with swept lugs. Hamilton offered it in two dial configurations: a two-toned version with painted black markers and numerals, and a step up with applied gold numerals, which commanded a $2.50 premium at retail. The Ellsworth is related to the Winslow and Prescott, which shared a similar round-case direction from Hamilton during the same period.
The dial is one of the first things to examine closely on an Ellsworth. The two-toned sector-style dial with painted markers is the more common configuration, while the applied gold numeral version is the one to look for if originality and presentation matter most. Gold Filled cases from this era can show significant wear through to base metal on the high points of the lugs and case edges, so condition varies considerably depending on how the watch was stored and worn.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Ellsworth in 1935 as a "new round model" available in 10K filled natural yellow gold only, with the base configuration priced at $37.50 and the applied gold numeral dial version at $40.00.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1935
What to Look For
| Dial | Confirm which dial variant is present. The two-toned version has painted black markers and numerals; the higher-grade configuration has applied gold numerals. Check for hairline cracks, separation at the numeral feet on the applied version, and any flaking or loss in the painted markers. Sector dials can show uneven aging between zones, which is normal, but active deterioration is worth noting. |
| Crystal | Crystals on round 1935 Hamilton cases are typically acrylic replacements by now. Check for deep scratches, crazing, or a poor fit that lets the crystal rock slightly in the bezel. A well-fitted crystal should sit flush and stable. |
| Movement | Dried oil is a real concern on any caliber 987E or 987F at this age. A watch that ticks but stops when laid flat, or that loses significant time, is almost certainly running on varnished lubricants. The hairspring and balance pivots on these movements require careful handling during service, so make sure any watchmaker working on one has experience with small American movements from this era. |
| Case | The 10K yellow gold-filled case wears through on the lugs and case edges over time. Examine the high points closely for brass showing through. Light wear is expected and honest on a 90-year-old watch; heavy wear through on multiple surfaces affects both appearance and value. Case backs on gold-filled vintage Hamilton cases can be tight, so look for evidence of prying damage around the edge. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly without slipping and sets the hands without excessive play. A crown that pulls out too easily or feels loose suggests a worn stem or setting lever. Replacement crowns in the correct profile for 1935 Hamilton round cases can be sourced, but original crowns in good condition are always preferable. |
The Movement
The caliber 987E and 987F are closely related 17-jewel manual wind movements from Hamilton's American production. Both are compact, well-regarded movements that were used across a range of Hamilton models in the 1930s. They wind smoothly and keep good time when properly serviced, but like any movement approaching 90 years old, they benefit significantly from fresh oil and a careful inspection of the hairspring and balance assembly.