Lord Lancaster M
1966–1969 · 14k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Lord Lancaster M
The Lord Lancaster M was made from 1966 through 1969 and belongs to Hamilton's Lord Lancaster family, a line of dressy, diamond-set pieces that occupied the upper end of Hamilton's American catalog. This particular variant runs on the caliber 680, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, and is housed in a round 14K white gold case set with 40 diamonds totaling one carat. The combination of white gold and a full diamond bezel gave the Lord Lancaster M a distinctly formal character, the kind of watch that was clearly designed to be noticed at the right occasions.
Diamond bezels on watches of this age require careful inspection. The stones should all be present and secure, and the settings shouldn't show signs of damage from amateur attempts at repair or cleaning. The silver dial with raised gold numerals at 12 and raised gold markers around the chapter ring is a delicate surface, and any moisture intrusion over the decades can leave staining that's difficult to reverse.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Lord Lancaster M simply and directly in its 1966 catalog: 17 jewels, 40 diamonds totaling one carat, in 14K white gold. At that specification, it was priced and positioned as one of Hamilton's more luxurious American-made offerings of the period.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1966
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Look for staining, fading, or moisture damage on the silver dial. The raised gold numeral at 12 and raised gold markers should be intact and properly seated, with no separation or missing pieces. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips. A correct replacement crystal should sit flush and not impede the bezel or diamond settings. |
| Movement | The caliber 680 is a manual wind. Dried oil in movements of this age creates enough friction to stop them outright, so don't judge the watch on a quick wind. Give it time on the bench before drawing conclusions about timekeeping. |
| Case | Examine all 40 diamonds closely. Look for missing stones, cracked or bent prongs, and any settings that feel loose when tested gently. White gold prongs can fatigue over time, especially if the watch has been worn regularly. Case backs on dressed gold watches like this can be tricky to open without the right tools, so check for evidence of past prying around the case back edge. |
| Crown | The crown should pull out smoothly and seat fully when pushed back in. A sticky or loose crown on a watch of this age often means the stem or keyless works need attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 680 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It's a reliable workhorse from this era, straightforward in its design and well-supported by parts availability compared to some of Hamilton's more obscure calibers. Manual wind movements require regular winding, ideally at the same time each day, and benefit noticeably from a fresh service given how long most of these have been sitting.