Lord Lancaster G
1964–1965 · 14k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Lord Lancaster G
Made from 1964 through 1965, the Lord Lancaster G is part of Hamilton's Lord Lancaster family, a line of dress watches built around refined case shapes and premium materials. This example is cased in 14K white gold with 32 diamonds set in the bezel, giving it a level of finish that set it apart from most of the Lord Lancaster range. The movement inside is the caliber 687, a 17-jewel manual wind. The dial carries a light silver finish with white gold tone markers and no numeral hour markers, letting the diamond bezel do the visual work.
The diamond bezel is the first thing to scrutinize on any example. Stones can go missing or be replaced with mismatched substitutes over sixty years, so count them and look closely at the settings under magnification. The 14K white gold case holds up well if it has not been polished aggressively, but over-polished examples lose the crispness of the original case lines, so look at the lugs carefully.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1964 catalog described the Lord Lancaster G as a 17-jewel, conventional movement watch in 14K white gold with 32 diamonds in the bezel, offered on a suede and brocade strap. It retailed for $250 in period dollars, placing it firmly in Hamilton's premium dress tier.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
1965
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the silver dial for spotting, peeling, or discoloration near the edges where moisture tends to settle first. The raised gold markers can shift or tarnish on examples that have been exposed to humidity, so look at each one closely. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal is properly seated and free of deep scratches. A loose or ill-fitting crystal on a watch this age can mean the bezel has been removed and refitted, which is worth asking about. |
| Movement | The caliber 687 is a manual wind, so wind the watch fully and give it several hours before drawing any conclusions about timekeeping. Dried oil in movements of this age can cause enough friction to stop the watch intermittently, even after it starts running well. |
| Case | Examine the 14K white gold case under good light for signs of heavy polishing. Softened lug edges and a uniform sheen across the case surfaces usually mean it has been buffed, which reduces both character and value. The hidden lugs are particularly vulnerable to over-polishing. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands cleanly without slipping. A sticky or gritty feel when winding usually points to a movement that needs service. |
The Movement
The caliber 687 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton. It is a straightforward, reliable manual wind caliber from this period, designed for conventional dress watches rather than slimmer dress applications. Wound daily, it keeps solid time when properly serviced and lubricated.