Lowell (1958)
1958–1961 · 10K yellow RGP/SS · Manual Wind
About the Lowell (1958)
The Lowell ran from 1958 through 1961, a clean round-cased dress watch powered by Hamilton's caliber 673 manual wind movement. The case is 10K yellow rolled gold plate with a stainless steel back, keeping the warm gold look accessible without the weight of solid gold. Embossed gold numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 anchor the white dial, with embossed gold markers filling the remaining positions, and a subseconds register sits at 6 o'clock. The Lowell is part of Hamilton's broad catalog of round dress watches from this era, models built to be understated and wearable rather than flashy.
Rolled gold cases from this period can show wear through to the stainless base layer at the lugs and case edges, so condition varies quite a bit depending on how a given example was worn and stored. The white dial is worth inspecting closely for spotting, hairlines, or yellowing, since the embossed numerals and markers can trap moisture over the decades. A clean original dial makes a real difference on a watch like this.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Lowell with an applied gold numeral dial, priced at $90.00, positioning it as a refined dress option in the lineup.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1958
1959
1960
1961
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the white dial for spotting, discoloration, or hairline cracks. The embossed gold numerals and markers should be crisp and evenly finished. Any lifting or corrosion around the markers is worth noting. |
| Crystal | These left the factory with acrylic crystals. Check for deep scratches or crazing. A fresh crystal is an inexpensive fix, but confirm it's properly fitted and seated. |
| Movement | Dried oil creates enough friction to stop a caliber 673 outright, so ask whether the watch has been serviced recently. Also watch for a broken set lever spring, which is a known weak point on this caliber and will prevent the watch from setting correctly. |
| Case | The 10K rolled gold plate wears through over time, especially at the lugs and case edges. Inspect those areas for brass or stainless showing through. Case backs on vintage Hamiltons can be tricky to open, so if the back looks forced or marred, factor that in. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds and sets smoothly without slipping or grinding. A stiff or loose crown can signal wear in the stem or keyless works, or a weakened set lever spring. |
The Movement
The caliber 673 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement, American-made and solid in its basic design. It's a straightforward hand-wound caliber that rewards regular servicing, since dried lubricants are its primary enemy at this age. Wind it, let it run, and listen for any roughness or irregularity that might point to worn parts or a movement that's overdue for a clean.