Flight II
1960–1963 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Flight II
The Flight II was produced from 1960 through 1963 as part of Hamilton's Medallion family, a line defined by its bold asymmetrical case designs that pushed hard against the conventional round and rectangular shapes of the era. The case is 10K yellow Gold Filled with that distinctive asymmetrical profile, and it runs on the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a range of its quality domestic models during this period. The Flight II is closely related to the Flight I, differing primarily in dial configuration and proportion rather than mechanical architecture.
The detail worth knowing before buying one is that the 1960 catalog specified 14K gold numerals and dots on a gold-colored silver dial, which is a cut above what many comparable pieces offered at similar price points. Finding one with the dial intact and free from spotting or moisture damage is the real challenge, since the silver base makes these dials more vulnerable to tarnishing and discoloration than gilt brass alternatives. A clean original dial on a Flight II is genuinely satisfying to find.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1960 catalog described the Flight II as featuring a 10K yellow gold-filled case with 14K gold numerals and dots on a gold-colored sterling silver dial, worn on a strap. It retailed for $95.00 at introduction, which placed it in the mid-upper range of Hamilton's dress watch offerings for that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1960
1961
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the gold-colored silver dial for spotting, spotting or discoloration, or moisture damage. Silver dials are more prone to discoloration than brass-based dials, so even minor exposure to humidity over the decades can leave marks. The applied gold numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12, along with the gold dot indices, should sit evenly and show no separation or detachment at the edges. |
| Crystal | These asymmetrical cases often have crystals that are specific to the case shape, so check for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. Replacing a cracked crystal on an asymmetrical case can be more involved than on a standard round, and getting the fit right matters for the overall look of the watch. |
| Movement | The caliber 770 is a manual wind, so wind it fully before evaluating how it runs. Oil dries out in movements this age, and dried lubricants can create enough friction to stop the watch entirely or cause it to run erratically. A watch that runs but loses significant time or stops after a few hours is telling you it needs a service. |
| Case | Check the high-wear points around the lugs and caseback edge for plating that has worn through to base metal. Some brassing is expected on a watch this age, but heavy wear affects both appearance and long-term preservation. The caseback can be tricky to open, so look for signs of prying damage around the edge. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently through its positions and check that winding feels smooth without gritty resistance. A crown that slips, winds without tension, or is difficult to seat back into the case can signal a worn or damaged stem, which is a straightforward fix in a service but worth factoring into your evaluation. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement built to Hamilton's domestic standards from this period. It winds through the crown, requires no battery, and keeps time through a traditional lever escapement. The 22-jewel count puts it on the higher end of Hamilton's manual wind lineup, with the additional jewels reducing friction at key points in the gear train.