Lord Lancaster N
1966–1967 · 14k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Lord Lancaster N
The Lord Lancaster N was produced in 1966 and 1967, part of Hamilton's Lord Lancaster family of dress watches in precious metal cases. It runs on the caliber 680, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, housed in a square 14k white gold case set with 36 diamonds totaling approximately half a carat. The diamond-set bezel gives this model a distinct character within the Lord Lancaster line, separating it from the plainer dress variants and positioning it firmly in jewelry-watch territory.
A diamond-set white gold case from the mid-1960s takes real wear, and condition here matters enormously. The diamonds themselves should be checked for chips or losses, and the white gold prongs holding them deserve close inspection. The silver dial with applied gold indices is vulnerable to moisture damage, so any sign of spotting or foxing under the crystal is worth factoring into a purchase decision.
From the Catalog
Hamilton marketed the Lord Lancaster N in 1966 as a 17-jewel, 36-diamond watch in 14k white gold, with the diamonds totaling half a carat, a specification that placed it among the more dressed-up entries in the Lord Lancaster line.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1966
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the silver dial under good light for moisture damage, spotting, or discoloration around the edges. The applied gold indices should sit flush and even with no separation at the base. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. A hazy or yellowed crystal can obscure dial condition, so try to view the dial in multiple lighting angles before drawing conclusions. |
| Movement | The caliber 680 is a manual wind. Dried oil in a movement of this age creates enough friction to stop it entirely, so don't take a running watch as proof of a healthy movement. A service is almost always due on examples found today. |
| Case | Inspect all 36 diamonds for chips, cloudiness, or missing stones. Check the prongs around each stone for wear or bending. The white gold case itself can show polishing history, so look at the lugs and case sides for over-polishing that softens the original lines. |
| Crown | The crown should thread or seat fully without wobble, and the stem should engage the movement cleanly through all positions. A loose or damaged crown on a sealed case can compromise the movement. |
The Movement
The caliber 680 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It winds with the crown, requires no rotor or automatic mechanism, and keeps time reliably when serviced and fully wound. It's a straightforward movement to work with, and parts availability is reasonable, which makes it a practical choice for a dress watch that sees occasional wear.