Lloyd
1955 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Lloyd
Made only in 1955, the Lloyd is a 28mm square-cased manual wind watch offered in 10K yellow Gold Filled with a sterling silver dial and 18K gold numerals. Hamilton equipped it with either the caliber 753 or caliber 770, both 19-jewel manual wind movements, depending on configuration. The Lloyd has a close relative in the Lloyd Chronograph, though the standard Lloyd is the simpler and more wearable daily piece of the two.
Silver dials from the mid-1950s are prone to patina and spotting or discoloration, so the condition of the dial surface is the first thing to assess on a Lloyd. The 18K gold numerals are a genuine selling point and were highlighted prominently in Hamilton's own marketing, so check that they are intact, evenly seated, and free from any that have separated or shifted. Finding one with an honest, unpolished case and a dial that has aged gracefully rather than been cleaned aggressively is the optimal example.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Lloyd in 1955 as having a 10K yellow gold-filled case with 18K gold numerals on a sterling silver dial, a combination that positioned it as a genuinely precious object at its $85 bracelet price. The material specifications were the marketing, and Hamilton leaned into them.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1955
What to Look For
| Dial | Silver dials oxidize over time. Look for even, natural aging rather than signs of cleaning or refinishing. The 18K gold numerals should sit flush and undisturbed. Check all positions carefully since any that have separated, detached, or gone missing affect both the look and the value significantly. |
| Crystal | Square crystals on watches this size can be tricky to source. Check for chips at the corners and deep scratches across the surface. A cloudy or crazed crystal is replaceable, but confirm a correct-fitting replacement is available before buying. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The movement ring on these 12/0-size calibers is prone to verdigris, a green corrosion that can spread to adjacent components if left unaddressed. A movement that has sat unserviced for decades deserves a close look under the case back before purchase. |
| Case | The 10K yellow gold-filled case on a 70-year-old watch may show wear-through at high contact points, particularly on the lugs and case back edges. Light wear is expected and honest. Heavy polishing that has softened the case lines is a bigger concern. |
| Crown | Check that the crown pulls out smoothly and that hand-setting engages cleanly. A worn or replaced crown that does not match the case finish is a minor cosmetic issue, but a crown that slips or feels sloppy in the stem suggests wear that should be addressed at service. |
The Movement
The Lloyd was fitted with either the caliber 753 or caliber 770, both manual wind movements in Hamilton's 12/0-size family. The 770 runs at 18,000 beats per hour with 22 jewels, while the 753 carries 19 jewels. Both are hand-wound movements that reward regular service and are well-regarded for reliability when properly maintained.