Nevin II
1962–1963 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Nevin II
Made from 1962 through 1963, the Nevin II pairs Hamilton's caliber 757 manual wind movement with a rectangular 14K gold case offered in either yellow or white gold. The applied gold numeral at 12 anchors a silver dial otherwise marked with painted black markers, giving it a clean but layered look. At $135 in 1962, it occupied a respectable position in Hamilton's dress watch lineup, aimed squarely at buyers who wanted solid gold without excessive ornamentation.
The two-year run means examples don't turn up constantly, so condition varies widely when they do appear. The white gold version tends to show less obvious wear to the eye, but both cases deserve a close look at the lugs and case edges where gold wears first. Hidden lugs on this style of rectangular case can also make crystal and case back service trickier, so a watch that's been properly serviced is worth paying attention to.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Nevin II simply as a 14K yellow or white gold case on a black satin and suede strap, letting the material and finish do the talking. It retailed for $135 in 1962, which reflected the solid gold construction and the quality of the movement beneath the dial.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1962
1963
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the silver dial for spotting, discoloration around the edges, or any separation near the applied numeral at 12. The painted black markers are fragile and can flake or fade, so check them under good light. Refinished dials on gold dress watches are common, and a refinish significantly affects collector value. |
| Crystal | The rectangular case shape means the crystal needs to fit precisely. Check for chips along the edges, crazing, or poor-fitting replacements that don't sit flush. A correct crystal that matches the case profile matters both aesthetically and functionally. |
| Movement | Oil hardens in movements of this age. On a manual wind like the caliber 757, that hardened lubricant builds friction that can stop the watch entirely or cause it to run erratically. A watch that winds smoothly and runs consistently has likely been serviced; one that feels gritty or stiff when winding almost certainly hasn't. |
| Case | Whether yellow or white gold, check the case edges, lugs, and any engraving areas for wear. Gold cases show polishing history clearly. Over-polished cases lose their crisp lines, and on a rectangular dress watch, that sharpness is part of what makes it look right. Case backs on hidden-lug rectangular cases can be tricky to open without the right tools, so look for any signs of amateur prying around the back seam. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown winds and sets smoothly without slipping or grinding. A crown that's been replaced with a non-original part is common on watches this age and isn't necessarily a problem, but the size and finish should fit the case proportions appropriately. |
The Movement
The caliber 757 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement built by Hamilton in the United States. The high jewel count reflects Hamilton's effort to reduce friction at the wear points throughout the gear train and escapement, contributing to accuracy and longevity when properly maintained. It's a solid, well-regarded movement that rewards a proper service and runs reliably once clean lubricants are in place.