Flintridge
1930–1934 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Flintridge
The Flintridge was made from 1930 through 1934, and its defining feature is something you rarely see on a wristwatch: a hinged protective cover that springs open from the upper right lug to shield the crystal from dust, moisture, and impact. Hamilton marketed it explicitly as a sports and outdoors watch, and the engineering backs that up. It came in two grades, the 17-jewel 987F and the 19-jewel 979, with cases in 14K yellow or white gold in a tonneau shape.
Finding a Flintridge with its cover mechanism still functioning smoothly is the real challenge. The hinge and spring system is delicate, and covers that have been forced or bent over the decades often no longer seat or release cleanly. The silver dial carries black Arabic numerals at all positions except 6, with a subseconds register below, and luminous paint on the numerals that will have aged to some shade of cream or amber by now.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1931 catalog introduced the Flintridge as an altogether new sport model, leaning hard into the protective cover as its central selling point against dust, dampness, jolts, and broken crystals. The watch retailed for $125 in 1931, available in either grade in 14K solid yellow or white gold.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1931
1932
1933
1934
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the luminous numerals for chipping, flaking, or uneven aging. Some discoloration of the lume is normal and expected at this age, but missing material or dark staining around the numeral edges can indicate moisture intrusion, which is a bigger concern on a watch meant to seal against the elements. |
| Crystal | The cover was designed to protect the crystal, but if the watch has spent time without its cover functioning correctly, the crystal may still show scratches or chips. Confirm the crystal fits flush and that the case lip around it is undamaged. |
| Movement | Dried oil is a real concern on any caliber 987F or 979 at this age. A watch that ticks but stops when laid flat, or that loses time dramatically throughout the day, almost certainly needs a full service before it should be worn. Ask whether the movement has been recently serviced. |
| Case | The cover hinge is the first thing to check. Operate it slowly and feel for resistance, looseness, or any grinding. A spring that is weak or a hinge that wobbles suggests prior stress or repair. Also check both 14K gold case halves for dents or dings, particularly around the lug where the cover pivot sits. |
| Crown | The crown should pull out to the setting position with moderate resistance and turn smoothly in both directions. On a watch this old, sticky or gritty crown action usually means dried lubricants in the keyless works and points toward a service being overdue. |
The Movement
The Flintridge came in two movement grades. The 987F is a 17-jewel manual wind caliber, reliable and well-regarded across Hamilton's mid-tier production of the era. The 979 steps up to 19 jewels, representing Hamilton's higher-grade wristwatch movement of the period with tighter tolerances and better finishing. Both are manual wind movements that require daily winding and reward proper servicing with accurate, steady timekeeping.