Oakmont
1931–1934 · Platinum / 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Oakmont
The Oakmont was made from 1931 through 1934, a cushion-case dress watch from Hamilton's early 1930s lineup that shares its design era with related models like the Piping Rock, Coronado, and Meadowbrook. It ran on either the caliber 987F or the caliber 979F, both 17- or 19-jewel manual wind movements depending on configuration, housed in platinum, 14K white gold, or 14K yellow gold. The cushion shape was a common form for the period, but the Oakmont's dial options give it some collector appeal, particularly the raised gold figure variant that Hamilton highlighted in its 1932 catalog.
Luminous painted numeral examples show up more often than the raised gold figure dials, and condition on either can vary considerably after nine decades. The lume on the painted numeral version is worth examining closely, since re-lumed dials from this era are common and original lume in stable condition is a meaningful find. Platinum-cased examples are the rarest configuration and worth identifying carefully before purchase.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Oakmont in 1932 as a new sports model offered in 14K white or natural yellow gold, priced at $90.00, with the raised gold figure dial included at no additional charge, a detail Hamilton made a point of advertising.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1932
1933
1934
What to Look For
| Dial | Two distinct dial variants exist: luminous painted numerals and raised gold figures. Know which you have before you buy. On lume dial examples, look for original patina rather than bright white lume, which often signals a re-lume job. On the raised gold figure dial, check that numerals are intact and not missing or poorly reattached. Numerals are absent at the 6 o'clock position on both variants. |
| Crystal | Correct period crystals for cushion-case watches can be tricky to source. Check for chips along the edges and verify the crystal fits flush without gaps. A poorly fitted modern replacement can shift or pop under normal wear. |
| Movement | At this age, oil in the 987F or 979F is almost certainly dried out. Dried lubricants create real friction and can stop the watch or cause it to run erratically even when it appears to be ticking. Ask specifically whether a recent full service has been done. Also worth knowing: both calibers are sensitive during balance adjustment, with hairsprings and balance pivots prone to damage if handled by someone unfamiliar with them. Service history with an experienced hand matters here. |
| Case | Confirm the case material, since platinum, 14K white gold, and 14K yellow gold examples all existed and white gold is sometimes misidentified. Look for deep wear at the lugs and along the case edges, which is expected but worth noting. Case backs on watches of this era can be tricky to open without the right tools, so prying marks are a red flag that someone worked on it without proper equipment. |
| Crown | Check that the crown is original or at minimum period-correct in profile and size. A mismatched crown on a gold or platinum case is more than cosmetic, it affects the fit and seal of the stem. Make sure winding and hand-setting feel smooth with no slipping or grinding. |
The Movement
The caliber 987F and 979F are both 17- or 19-jewel manual wind movements from Hamilton's American-made lineup, well regarded for their precision and longevity when properly maintained. Both are hand-wound movements with a subseconds dial at 6 o'clock, a layout typical of Hamilton dress watches from this period. They are reliable calibers in experienced hands, but the balance assembly is sensitive, and service by someone who knows these specific movements is worth seeking out.