Glenn Curtiss
1930–1934 · 18k Solid Yellow Gold / 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Glenn Curtiss
The Glenn Curtiss was produced from 1930 through 1934, a tonneau-shaped dress watch offered in 18K yellow, 14K white, or 14K yellow gold. It runs on the caliber 979F, a 19-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across several of its finer dress models from this era. Named after the aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, the model fit squarely into Hamilton's lineup of elegantly proportioned strap watches aimed at buyers who wanted something refined but wearable. The Glenn Curtiss is part of Hamilton's broader Depression-era dress watch family, a group of gold-cased manual wind models that shared similar proportions and movements while varying in case shape and dial treatment.
Finding one in honest condition takes some patience. The silver dial with luminous painted numerals at all positions except six is specific to this reference, and the lume on dials this age has almost certainly aged to cream or warm ivory. Pricing shifted slightly across the run, with the luminous dial version listed at $133.00 and the raised gold figure version at $140.00 in 1934, so dial variants do exist and are worth confirming before purchase.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Glenn Curtiss as a beautifully designed watch in a handmade case of 14K gold, white or natural yellow, with raised gold figure attachment. Original retail pricing in 1934 was $140.00 for the standard version, or $133.00 with the luminous dial.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1931
1932
1933
1934
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the luminous numerals. Painted lume from this period ages in place and can flake, chip, or show uneven loss. Minor patina is normal and expected; flaking or significant losses affect both appearance and value. Confirm the numeral positions match the reference: all hours except 6 o'clock, where the subseconds register sits. |
| Crystal | These originally used mineral or acrylic crystals appropriate to the period. A correct-fitting replacement is acceptable, but check for separation at the edges or poor fit around the tonneau shape, which can trap moisture against the dial. |
| Movement | Oil dries up on a caliber 979F of this age, and that friction alone can stop the watch or cause it to run erratically. A watch that ticks but loses time throughout the day, or stops when laid flat, almost certainly needs a full service before it can be trusted. |
| Case | Confirm the gold karat marking inside the case back. The Glenn Curtiss was offered in three case metals across its run, and the karat affects value meaningfully. Check the lugs and case flanks for deep polishing that has softened the original lines or thinned the metal. |
| Crown | The crown should pull out smoothly and set the hands without slipping. A worn or replaced crown that does not match the case finish is a small but telling detail. Case backs on watches of this age can be difficult to open, so if the seller has not had it serviced, budget for that work. |
The Movement
The caliber 979F is a 19-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton produced for its higher-grade dress watches during this period. It winds and sets conventionally, with a subseconds register running off a dedicated wheel train. The 979F is a well-regarded movement when properly maintained, but it has known sensitivities: the hairspring and balance pivots are vulnerable during adjustment, which makes competent service especially important on watches of this age.