Lord Lancaster F
1964–1965 · 14k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Lord Lancaster F
Made from 1964 through 1965, the Lord Lancaster F is part of Hamilton's Lord Lancaster family, a line of dress watches that leaned into 14K gold cases and refined proportions. This version pairs a square 14K white gold case with a silver dial and 24 diamonds, giving it a quietly formal character that reads as understated rather than flashy. The caliber 687A, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, powers the watch.
Finding a Lord Lancaster F today means paying close attention to the diamonds and the dial. Any chips, missing stones, or replacements in the diamond setting will affect both value and repairability, and the silver dial can show age in subtle ways, so look for even color and no ghosting from moisture. The white gold case tends to hold up well cosmetically, but hidden lugs are worth inspecting carefully for wear at the joints.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1964 catalog described the Lord Lancaster F simply and precisely: 17 jewels, 14K white gold case, 24 diamonds, with a taille and satin strap, priced at $250. That combination of diamonds and white gold at that price point positioned it clearly as a dress watch meant for formal occasions.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
1965
What to Look For
| Dial | The silver dial should have even color and no spotting, cloudiness, or watermark rings. The raised gold markers and dot indices are small and can loosen over time, so check that nothing is shifted or missing under magnification if possible. |
| Crystal | Check for chips and deep scratches. A badly scratched crystal can often be replaced, but always confirm the replacement fits a square case of this style before committing. |
| Movement | The caliber 687A is a manual wind, so wind it fully and give it several hours before drawing any conclusions about rate or consistency. Dried oil creates enough friction in movements of this age to stop them entirely, even if nothing is mechanically wrong. |
| Case | The 14K white gold case should be examined for deep gouges or polishing that has softened the original lines. Hidden lugs are a common wear point, so flex gently to check for any looseness at the joints. Also look for signs that the case back has been pried open carelessly, as these can be tricky to remove properly. |
| Crown | Check that the crown threads or presses in smoothly and that winding feels even without grinding. A damaged crown on a 14K gold case can be difficult and expensive to replace with a correct original. |
The Movement
The caliber 687A is a 17-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's Swiss-era production. It winds from the crown, requires daily winding, and is a compact, reliable movement well suited to the thin dress case format of the Lord Lancaster line. At its age, a proper service with fresh oil and a timing check makes a real difference in how consistently it runs.