Lord Lancaster E
1963–1964 · 14k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Lord Lancaster E
Made from 1963 through 1964, the Lord Lancaster E is one of the dressier entries in Hamilton's Lord Lancaster family, combining a 14k solid white gold case with a silver dial set with 12 diamonds. It runs on Hamilton's caliber 680, a manual wind movement. The Lord Lancaster family spans a range of case metals and dial treatments from this era, and the E variant represents the higher end of that spectrum.
Diamonds and silver dials require careful inspection. The diamonds themselves are small, but any missing stones are immediately obvious and can be difficult or impossible to match exactly. The silver dial is prone to spotting and discoloration over time, and the degree of patina varies considerably from example to example. A clean, original dial in this configuration is genuinely hard to find.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1963 catalog listed the Lord Lancaster E at $250.00, describing it with a 505 electric movement, a 14k white gold case, and 12 diamonds on a sterling silver dial with a black suede and brocade strap. The catalog language emphasized the diamond dial and precious metal case as the defining features of the model.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Check every diamond position carefully. Missing or replaced stones are a real concern on diamond-set dials, and period-correct replacements are not easy to source. Look also at the condition of the silver dial surface itself. Tarnish, spotting, or uneven patina can range from light aging to significant discoloration. |
| Crystal | Inspect the crystal for chips, crazing, and deep scratches. A compromised crystal can let in moisture, which is especially damaging to a silver dial. |
| Movement | The caliber 680 is a manual wind, so wind it fully and let it run for several hours before evaluating it. Dried oil in a movement this age creates enough friction to cause erratic timekeeping or stopping, even if the watch runs initially. A service is almost always needed on examples that have been sitting. |
| Case | 14k solid white gold is softer than steel and shows wear more readily. Check the lugs and case edges for deep wear. Heavy polishing over the years can round off the case profile, so look for an example that retains its original lines. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown threads in smoothly and winds without slipping. A worn or replaced crown on a solid gold case is worth noting, since matching the original is not always straightforward. |
The Movement
The caliber 680 is a manual wind movement Hamilton used through the early-to-mid 1960s. It winds from the crown and requires regular winding to keep running. At this age, the lubricants inside are almost certainly dried out, and a proper service will make a noticeable difference in how reliably it keeps time.