Lyndon cld
1953–1954 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Lyndon cld
Made from 1953 through 1954, the Lyndon CLD pairs a 10k yellow gold filled case with a silver dial in two distinct configurations: applied indices with luminous markers and dots, or 18k gold numerals, both with luminous hands. The CLD designation was Hamilton's first serious push into sealed case design — the crystal was set into the bezel on a gasket, the bezel itself seated against the case with a second gasket, and the crown used a two-piece stem with its own gasket sealing at the stem tube. Not waterproof by any technical measure — Hamilton's waterproof line came later in the decade — but genuinely sealed against moisture and dirt in a way that standard cases of the period weren't. Hamilton's 18-jewel movement with sweep seconds gives it a clean, uninterrupted dial face that suits the dressy character of the case.
The silver dial is the thing to scrutinize on any example you encounter. Silver dials can develop a rich patina over seven decades, but they can also mottle unevenly or show damage from moisture exposure, so condition varies considerably. The two dial variants, luminous markers versus 18k gold numerals, were priced identically at $71.50, which makes the gold numeral version an interesting find for collectors who want the more formal look without any premium attached.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Lyndon as a natural gold filled case on a leather strap, with the buyer's choice of luminous markers and dots or 18k gold numerals on the sterling silver dial. Both configurations carried the same original retail price of $71.50 in 1953.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1953
1954
What to Look For
| Dial | Silver dials require careful inspection. Look for even patina versus uneven mottling or dark spotting, which can indicate past moisture exposure. Confirm whether the example has applied indices with luminous markers and dots or 18k gold numerals, as both variants exist and the distinction matters for originality. Check that the luminous material in the markers or hands is intact and not flaking. |
| Crystal | These would have left the factory with a mineral crystal. Check for deep scratches or chips around the edges. A replacement crystal is a minor issue as long as the fit is correct and it sits flush without gaps. |
| Movement | The movement should be running and sweeping smoothly. Friction from dried lubricants can build up enough to stop the watch entirely, so a movement that starts and stops or runs erratically should be assumed to need a full service before anything else is evaluated. |
| Case | The 10k gold filled case should show sharp lugs with swept lines intact. Check the high-wear points on the lugs and case back for any brass showing through the gold fill layer. Some wear is expected on a watch of this age, but deep wear through to the base metal on multiple surfaces affects both appearance and value. |
| Crown | The crown should pull out smoothly and seat firmly when pushed back in. A crown that feels loose, spins without engaging, or is obviously a replacement warrants closer inspection of the stem and setting mechanism. |
The Movement
Hamilton's 18-jewel movement with sweep seconds was a reliable workhorse for dress watches of this era. The 18 jewels reduce friction at the key bearing points throughout the gear train, and the sweep seconds hand runs off the center of the dial rather than a subseconds dial at 6 o'clock, giving the Lyndon a clean, uncluttered face. It is a manually wound movement, so it needs regular winding to keep running.