M 79-4
1964–1965 · 10k White / Yellow Rolled Gold Plate · Manual Wind
About the M 79-4
Made only in 1964, the M 79-4 is part of Hamilton's M Series, a line of dress watches built around modest rectangular cases and clean, understated dials. This example runs on the caliber 674, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, and comes in a 10k white Gold Filled and Rolled Gold Plate case. The applied markers on a silver dial give it a quiet formality that suited the early-1960s dress watch market well.
The white Gold Filled case finish is the thing to pay closest attention to here. White Gold Filled wears differently than yellow, and the plating on corners and lugs tends to go first. A clean example with crisp case edges is genuinely harder to find than the plain production numbers might suggest. The hidden lug design also means the bracelet or strap attachment points are tucked out of sight, which adds a sleek look but can complicate strap swaps if the lugs have any wear or deformation.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the M 79-4 in 1964 with a silver dial carrying applied markers, housed in a 10k yellow rolled gold plate case, and priced at $79.50. That price put it at an accessible entry point for a gold-filled Hamilton dress watch of the period.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the silver dial for spotting, moisture damage, or separation at the applied markers. Markers that have shifted or started to detach from the dial surface affect both the look and the value. This dial has no printed text to flake, but the applied elements are the vulnerability. |
| Crystal | Rectangular crystals for watches of this era can be tricky to source if cracked or badly scratched. Check the edges of the crystal where it meets the bezel, as chips often hide there and are easy to miss at a glance. |
| Movement | The caliber 674 is a manual wind. Oil hardens in movements of this age, and that friction buildup can stop the watch or cause erratic timekeeping. Wind the watch fully and let it run for several hours before drawing any conclusions about its condition. A full service is likely due on any unserviced example. |
| Case | The white gold filled and rolled gold plate case should show an even, consistent finish. Pay attention to the lugs and case corners, where plating wears first. The hidden lug design looks clean but inspect carefully for any deformation that might complicate strap fitting. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without slipping or grinding. A crown that wobbles or feels loose may indicate wear to the stem or the setting mechanism, both of which require movement access to address properly. |
The Movement
The caliber 674 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement produced during Hamilton's American manufacturing period. It is a straightforward, reliable hand-winder with no complications beyond the subseconds hand, making it one of the more serviceable movements of its era. Shock resistance was built in, which adds a layer of durability that earlier Hamilton movements of this size did not always have.