Lord Lancaster C
1963–1969 · 10k White Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Lord Lancaster C
Made from 1963 through 1969, the Lord Lancaster C is part of Hamilton's Lord Lancaster family, a line of dress watches built around asymmetrical cases that gave Hamilton's catalog a distinctly mid-century sophistication. This model runs on the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement, housed in a 10K white Gold Filled asymmetrical case. The sterling silver dial uses painted black markers with diamond indices as hour markers, giving it a restrained formality that suited the era well.
Diamond-set dials from this period are worth examining closely before buying. The diamonds themselves are small, but check that all are present and undamaged, since replacements are difficult to match convincingly. Dial condition matters a lot on silver dials, which can develop spotting or tarnish if moisture has gotten in over the years, so look for a clean, even surface without discoloration around the edges.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1963 catalog described the Lord Lancaster C with four diamonds on a sterling silver dial, paired with a 10K white gold filled case and a black suede strap, priced at $125.00.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
1964
1965
1966
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Silver dials show age readily. Look for even color across the surface and check around the edges and near the crown where moisture tends to enter first. Confirm all diamond indices are present and seated properly, as missing or loose stones are common on watches of this age. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, deep scratches, or a poor-fitting replacement. An ill-fitting crystal is one of the more common ways moisture finds its way onto a silver dial. |
| Movement | The caliber 770 is a manual wind, so wind it fully and give it several hours before drawing conclusions about how it runs. Oil dries out over decades, and a movement running on dried lubricants may stop after a short period or run erratically. A service is worth budgeting for on any example that hasn't been touched recently. |
| Case | Gold filled cases from this era wear through at the high points first, particularly on the lugs and case back edges. Check those spots carefully and look for any brass showing through the gold layer. The asymmetrical case shape can make wear patterns uneven. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without slipping. A worn or replaced crown is common on watches of this vintage and worth confirming before purchase. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a manually wound movement running at 18,000 beats per hour with 22 jewels. It is one of Hamilton's more dependable American-made movements from this era, known for solid construction and good serviceability. The subseconds dial runs at the 6 o'clock position, which is characteristic of this movement layout.