Golden Tempo R
1962–1964 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Golden Tempo R
Made from 1962 through 1964, the Golden Tempo R pairs Hamilton's caliber 770 manual wind movement with one of the more visually striking dials in the company's early-1960s lineup. The case is 10K yellow Gold Filled in a clean round shape, and it came with a matching bracelet as part of the package. Applied gold numerals run from 6 to 12 with applied gold markers filling the remaining positions, all sitting against a multicolored striped dial that gives the watch its name. The Golden Tempo R is part of Hamilton's broader Golden Tempo family, which used the same bold dial concept across several case configurations during this period.
The rainbow dial is both the main attraction and the first thing to scrutinize. These multicolored striped dials can fade unevenly or show discoloration along the stripe boundaries over sixty-plus years, and condition varies considerably from example to example. A clean example with crisp color separation and intact applied markers is genuinely satisfying to find, and the original bracelet, when present, adds real period appeal even if it shows wear.
From the Catalog
Hamilton marketed the Golden Tempo R in 1962 as a 10K yellow gold-filled watch with a multi-color dial and matching bracelet, priced at $100.00, bracelet included. That all-in pricing was a deliberate part of the pitch, positioning the watch as a complete, coordinated piece rather than a standalone case.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1962
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the multicolored stripes for fading, uneven discoloration, or color bleeding between zones. Check the applied gold numerals and markers to confirm none are detaching, shifting, or missing. The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, and condition here matters more than almost anything else. |
| Crystal | Inspect for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. A hazy or cracked crystal is worth replacing, but confirm the replacement fits the case correctly before committing. |
| Movement | Oil dries out in movements of this age, and a caliber 770 running on dried lubricants may stop after a short time or run significantly slow. Wind it fully and let it run for a few hours before drawing any conclusions about its health. |
| Case | Check the case back for signs of verdigris on the movement ring, which can be a problem on these gold-filled examples. Look at the lugs for wear-through on the gold fill, particularly along the edges and underside. The case back can be stubborn to open, so look for evidence of tool marks from previous attempts. |
| Crown | The crown should wind smoothly with no grinding or slipping and set the hands cleanly. A crown that feels loose or skips during winding is worth noting before purchase. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement made in the United States, and it represents some of Hamilton's best domestic production from this era. It winds from the crown, requires no battery, and is known as a solid and repairable movement that responds well to a proper service. The 22-jewel count puts it above the standard grades of the period, with the additional jewels added to reduce friction at key points in the gear train.