Ericsson
1930–1934 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Ericsson
Made from 1930 through 1934, the Ericsson is a rectangular 14K gold dress watch powered by Hamilton's caliber 401, a 19-jewel manual wind movement. Hamilton offered it in either 14K white or natural yellow gold, and the 1932 catalog described the case as handmade, which was meaningful language for the period. The dial carried luminous painted numerals at all positions, giving this small dress watch a practical legibility that its formal proportions might not suggest.
Finding an Ericsson in solid, unpolished condition is the real challenge. The rectangular gold cases from this era are prone to wear at the lugs and along the case edges, and overpolishing has softened the lines on many survivors. The luminous numerals are worth examining closely too, as the painted lume on dials of this age frequently discolors or flakes, and a clean original dial makes a meaningful difference in collector appeal.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1932 catalog called the Ericsson sturdy and noted the handmade 14K white or natural yellow gold case, pricing it at $150.00, which was a significant sum at the time and positioned it firmly as a fine jewelry watch rather than an everyday piece.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1932
1933
1934
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the luminous numerals. Painted lume from this era can darken, crack, or pull away from the dial over time. Flaking or missing material is common and hard to restore well. A dial with even, intact numerals is the exception, not the rule. |
| Crystal | The crystal should sit flush and be free of deep scratches or chips. Replacements are available, but confirm the profile fits the original bezel correctly before assuming a replacement is correct. |
| Movement | The caliber 401 is scarce, and spare parts are effectively unavailable through normal supply channels. Servicing one depends largely on finding a donor movement. Make sure the watch runs consistently and winds smoothly before buying, because fixing a 401 with worn or broken parts is a real project. |
| Case | The handmade 14K gold case deserves close inspection under good light. Look at the lug edges and case corners for signs of heavy polishing, which rounds the profile and reduces crispness. Original sharp edges are a strong positive sign. Also confirm whether the case is white or yellow gold, as both were offered and the distinction matters to some collectors. |
| Crown | Wind the crown slowly and feel for gritty resistance or slipping. On a watch of this age with dried lubricants, even the winding action can feel rough or hesitant. A smooth, positive wind suggests the movement has been serviced more recently. |
The Movement
The caliber 401 is a 19-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used in a small number of rectangular dress watches from the early 1930s. It shares its roots with Illinois movements from the same period, a legacy of Hamilton's acquisition of Illinois Watch Company in 1927. The movement is well-made for its era, but because so few were produced and parts have not been manufactured in decades, keeping one running long-term requires either a full service before anything wears out or access to a parts donor.