Haddon cld
1953–1954 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual
About the Haddon cld
Made from 1953 through 1954, the Haddon is part of Hamilton's CLD family — Hamilton's first foray into sealed case construction. The crystal was set into the bezel on a gasket, the bezel itself seated against the case with a second gasket, and the crown used a two-piece stem with its own gasket at the stem tube, keeping the movement well-isolated from the outside environment. These weren't marketed as waterproof — that designation came later in the decade — but the sealing offered real protection from moisture and dirt that standard dress cases of the period couldn't match. The case is 10k yellow gold filled, and inside sits a 17-jewel movement. Two dial configurations were offered: a silver dial with applied 18k gold numerals, or the same base with luminous markers and dots added alongside the 18k gold numerals.
Finding a Haddon in honest shape means paying close attention to the dial, which is silver and can show oxidation or spotting if moisture ever found its way past that sealed case. The two dial variants carry the same original price, so the choice between them usually comes down to personal preference, though the luminous version adds a utilitarian quality that some collectors find more interesting on a dress watch of this era.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Haddon as offering 18k gold numerals on a sterling silver dial, with the sealed case positioned as practical protection against moisture and dirt. Both the numerals-only and luminous versions were priced identically at $69.50 in 1953.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1953
1954
What to Look For
| Dial | The silver dial is vulnerable to oxidation and moisture damage. Look for uneven patina, dark spots, or lifting around the applied 18k gold numerals and markers. Minor age-related tone is normal; active corrosion or bubbling under the surface is not. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches, crazing, or chips around the edges. A heavily scratched crystal can usually be replaced, but inspect it for any signs of past moisture intrusion underneath. |
| Movement | The movement should be running smoothly and consistently. A watch that has been stored for years can develop enough resistance from degraded lubricants to run erratically or stop altogether, even if it appears otherwise intact. |
| Case | Gold-filled cases from this era wear through to the base metal at contact points over time. Check the lugs, caseback edges, and crown area carefully. The sealed case design means the caseback can be stubborn to open without the right tools, so look for signs of prying or damaged edges from improper past servicing. |
| Crown | The crown should turn smoothly without slipping or grinding. A worn crown on a moisture-sealed design like this is worth addressing quickly, since the sealing function depends on the crown fitting properly. |
The Movement
The Haddon runs on a 17-jewel Hamilton movement. Jewels in a watch movement serve as bearings at the highest-friction pivot points, reducing wear and helping the movement maintain consistent timekeeping over decades. At 17 jewels, this movement covers all the essential friction points and was a well-regarded specification for a dress watch at this price point in the early 1950s.