Grenadier II
1955–1957 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Grenadier II
Made from 1955 through 1957, the Grenadier II pairs a 10K yellow Gold Filled case with a stainless steel back and runs on either the caliber 747 or caliber 730, both 17-jewel manual wind movements. The dial is a sterling silver base dressed with solid 18K gold numerals, markers, and luminous dots, a specification that sets it apart from more common Gold Filled dial furniture found on comparable models of the period. The Grenadier II is a companion to the original Grenadier, sharing its general character while offering this distinct dial treatment. Hamilton offered it both on a strap and on a bracelet at different price points.
The silver dial with 18K gold hardware is what draws collectors to this one, but that same dial is delicate. The finish on these silver dials is prone to peeling or spotting when moisture has gotten in over the decades, and even well-intentioned cleaning attempts can accelerate the damage. A truly clean example with intact dial finish is the bar to clear.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1955 catalog called out the dial specification prominently, noting the 18K gold numerals, markers, and luminous dots on a sterling silver dial, along with the waterproof rating. It listed at $79.50 on a bracelet or $72.50 on a strap, with the standard caveat that the waterproof seal needed to be restored if the case was opened for servicing.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1955
1956
1957
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the silver dial for separation, spotting, or discoloration around the edges and near the crystal seal. The 18K gold numerals and markers should sit cleanly with no tarnish or loss. Moisture damage to this dial tends to start subtly and spread, so anything that looks like a haze or a faint ring deserves a hard look. |
| Crystal | Hamilton listed this watch as waterproof, but that rating depends entirely on the integrity of the original seal. Check that the crystal seats properly with no gaps, and confirm whether the case back seal has been restored after any prior servicing. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The caliber 730 and 747 are both capable manual wind movements, but dried oil creates enough friction to put real strain on the train over time. A watch that winds smoothly and runs accurately has likely been through a service at some point. One that feels gritty or erratic probably hasn't. |
| Case | Check the case for wear-through on the gold fill, particularly on the lugs and case sides where contact is greatest. The stainless steel back should show no deep gouges from improper opening. Note that the case back on the Grenadier II is specific to the model and not interchangeable with other Hamilton cases from the period. |
| Crown | The crown should pull out cleanly through its positions with no slipping or stiffness. A worn crown can compromise the waterproof rating and, on a manual wind movement, a slipping crown makes winding unreliable. |
The Movement
The Grenadier II was produced with either the caliber 747 or the caliber 730, both 17-jewel manual wind movements built by Hamilton during this period. They are functionally similar designs, hand-wound with a subseconds dial at 6 o'clock, and both were workhorses in Hamilton's dress watch lineup through the mid-1950s. Either version runs reliably when properly serviced, and parts support for both remains reasonable.