Montclair II
1962 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Montclair II
Made only in 1962, the Montclair II is a 14K yellow gold dress watch built around Hamilton's caliber 731, a 17-jewel manual wind movement. It's part of the broader Thinline family, though it shares its name more directly with the original Montclair, which it effectively succeeded for a single catalog year. The round case pairs with a silver dial carrying embossed gold numerals and markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12, with a subseconds register at 6 o'clock giving it a clean, traditional layout.
Finding a Montclair II in good shape means paying close attention to the dial, since embossed numerals and markers can show wear at their high points over time. The solid 14K yellow gold case tends to hold up well structurally, but check for excessive polishing that rounds out the lugs, which should have a gentle swept profile when original condition is intact.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Montclair II simply as a 17-jewel watch in a 14K yellow gold case, available on strap, priced at $100 in 1962. Straightforward marketing for a watch that was meant to let the gold case and clean dial do the talking.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the embossed gold numerals and markers. The raised surfaces are the first place to show wear or contact damage. Any flaking, separation, or uneven patina is worth factoring into condition. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips around the edges. A well-fitted crystal sits flush and clear. Replacement crystals exist but finding one that fits the original profile correctly takes some effort. |
| Movement | Oil dries and hardens in movements of this age. On a manual wind like the caliber 731, that friction buildup can be enough to stop the watch entirely. Wind it and observe how it runs over several hours before drawing any conclusions about overall condition. |
| Case | The 14K yellow gold case is a genuine asset, but excessive polishing is the most common condition issue. Look at the lug edges and case flanks for signs of over-polishing that softens what should be a defined, swept lug shape. Also note that case backs on watches like this can be tricky to open without the right tools, so avoid pry marks around the back edge. |
| Crown | The crown should unscrew or pull out smoothly and wind the movement with even resistance. Any slipping, grinding, or looseness points to wear in the stem or keyless works. |
The Movement
The caliber 731 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's American production era, known for being reliable and straightforward to service when maintained properly. It winds from the crown and drives the hands directly, with the subseconds hand running off its own dedicated gear train. It's not a complicated movement, which works in its favor for longevity.