Essex (1956)
1956–1958 · 10K yellow RGP/SS · Manual Wind
About the Essex (1956)
Made from 1956 through 1958, the Essex is a clean, round-cased dress watch running Hamilton's caliber 671, a 17-jewel manual wind movement. The case is 10K yellow rolled gold plate with a stainless steel back, and the dial uses embossed gold numerals and markers on a silver dial. The Essex belongs to Hamilton's broader catalog of affordable dress pieces from the mid-1950s, models that prioritized sharp presentation at an accessible price point.
Embossed numerals and markers hold up better than painted ones over time, but they can still show wear at the edges if the dial has been mishandled or exposed to moisture. Finding one with a clean, unrestored dial and original hands intact is the real goal here. The round case is simple enough that good examples still turn up without too much hunting, though the RGP finish on the bezel and case sides deserves a close look before buying.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Essex with a coral finish dial and a matching 18K applied gold numeral dial option, offered in a 10K coral gold-filled case. The original retail price was $45.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1956
1957
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the embossed gold numerals and markers carefully. The embossing itself is durable, but look for lifting, corrosion at the base of the characters, or any signs of refinishing, which would flatten the texture and reduce the dial's value significantly. |
| Crystal | This model uses a crystal that accepts a reflector ring. Make sure the correct crystal style is present and that the reflector ring, if fitted, is intact and properly seated. A generic flat crystal replacement is a common shortcut that changes the look of the watch. |
| Movement | Dried oil creates enough friction to stop a caliber 671 outright, so ask whether the watch has been serviced recently. If it's running but losing time or stopping intermittently, plan on a service before relying on it. |
| Case | The 10K rolled gold plate over stainless can wear through at the lugs and case edges over time. Inspect those areas under good light. Some honest wear is expected on a watch this age, but deep wear through to the steel base is worth factoring into your evaluation. |
| Crown | When setting the time, note whether the crown feels secure. The set lever screw in the caliber 671 can work loose over the years, which causes the stem to pull out unexpectedly during time setting. A watchmaker can address this, but it's useful to know before purchase. |
The Movement
The caliber 671 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's American production line. It winds and sets conventionally, with a sweep seconds hand driven off the gear train rather than a subseconds register at 6 o'clock. It's a straightforward, well-regarded movement that responds well to a proper service and keeps good time once cleaned and lubricated.