Glenn
1948–1954 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Glenn
Made from 1948 through 1954, the Glenn is a square-cased dress watch offered in 14K yellow or 14K white gold, powered by Hamilton's caliber 747 with 17 jewels. The dial carries 18K applied gold numerals and markers, with a subseconds register at the six o'clock position, giving it a clean but substantial presence on the wrist. The Glenn sits within Hamilton's broader line of gold dress watches from this era, sharing case proportions and movement specs with several contemporaries while holding its own distinct catalog identity.
Finding a Glenn in honest condition means checking the applied gold numerals carefully, as years of cleaning attempts or moisture exposure can cause the dial finish to peel or dull in ways that are difficult to reverse. Some examples surface with diamond-set dials, which adds a layer of originality to confirm, so it is worth cross-referencing any stones against known configurations before assuming they are factory. At $120 in 1948, this was a serious purchase, and the watches that have survived in good shape reflect that original level of care.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Glenn simply and directly in its 1948 catalog: Grade 747, 17 jewels, 14K natural gold, with an 18K applied gold numeral dial. It retailed for $120, which put it firmly in the upper tier of Hamilton's dress watch offerings at the time.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1948
1949
1950
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1953
What to Look For
| Dial | The silver dial with 18K applied gold numerals is the heart of this watch's appeal, and it's also the most vulnerable part. Look closely at each numeral and marker for separation, corrosion underneath, or evidence of amateur cleaning. The dial finish can fade or develop spots when exposed to moisture, and that damage is usually irreversible. |
| Crystal | Original crystals on these are glass and prone to chips and scratches after seven decades. A replacement crystal is fine, but confirm it fits the square case correctly without gaps or misalignment at the corners. |
| Movement | The caliber 747 is a capable 17-jewel manual-wind movement, but on a watch that has sat unworn for years, dried oil creates enough friction to stop it entirely. Ask whether it has been serviced recently, and if the answer is uncertain, budget for a full service before expecting reliable timekeeping. |
| Case | Confirm whether the case is 14K yellow or 14K white gold, as both were offered. Look for the hallmark inside the case back. Case backs on these can be stubborn to open, so if there are fresh tool marks around the edge, it may have been pried rather than properly opened. |
| Crown | Check that the crown is original and threads or seats correctly. A mismatched or poorly fitting crown affects both appearance and the ability to set the watch without issue. On gold cases, a mismatched crown in a different metal is easy to spot and worth noting. |
The Movement
The caliber 747 is a 17-jewel manual-wind movement that Hamilton used across several of its gold dress models during this period. It winds smoothly, keeps reliable time when properly serviced, and is a straightforward movement for a skilled watchmaker to work on. It does not have a quick-set date or any complications beyond the subseconds register, which keeps it honest and long-lived when maintained.