Paige (1940)
1940–1941 · 14k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Paige (1940)
The Paige appeared in Hamilton's 1940 catalog and ran through 1941, giving it a two-year production window. No caliber data is available for this model, so movement specifics are omitted here. What can be said is that it arrived during a period when Hamilton was producing a wide range of dress watches aimed at the American market, balancing refined styling with the kind of build quality the brand was known for at the time.
Two-year production runs are common enough in Hamilton's catalog from this era, but the Paige doesn't show up often in the wild, which makes condition on any surviving example worth scrutinizing carefully. Dial condition is the first thing to assess, as dials from this period are prone to moisture damage, hairline cracks, and refinishing, all of which affect both originality and value. A correct, unrestored dial on a Paige is the thing to hold out for.
From the Catalog
Hamilton offered the Paige for only two years, from 1940 through 1941, giving it a brief production run typical of some of the brand's more specialized dress models from that era. No official catalog descriptions or original retail prices are documented for the Paige, so the precise language Hamilton used to present it to buyers has not been preserved in the available record. What is known is that the watch was housed in a 14K yellow gold filled case, which placed it firmly in Hamilton's mid-tier dress watch category, accessible relative to solid gold models but still a considered purchase for the period. The pairing of a gold filled case with the high-grade caliber 982 movement reflects Hamilton's approach of offering quality movement finishing across a range of case price points.
Hamilton Catalog Images
What to Look For
| Dial | Dials from this period are vulnerable to moisture intrusion and age-related deterioration. Look closely for hairline cracks, lifting or flaking at the numerals, discoloration around the edges, or any sign that the dial has been refinished. A refinished dial isn't always a dealbreaker, but it should be reflected in the price. |
| Crystal | Original crystals on watches this age are almost certainly not present. Expect a replacement. What matters is that the replacement fits properly and sits flush, with no gaps around the bezel that would leave the dial exposed. |
| Movement | Congealed lubricants are the default condition in a movement that has gone unserviced since the 1940s. Dried oil creates enough friction to stop the gear train entirely, even in a movement that seems to run. Budget for a full service regardless of how the watch performs when you receive it. |
| Case | Check the case for wear-through on any gold-filled surfaces, and look at the lugs specifically, as that is where metal loss tends to show first. Case backs from this era can be tight and difficult to open without the right tools, so avoid any back that shows evidence of prying with a screwdriver. |
| Crown | Confirm the crown is original to the watch and not a generic replacement. A poorly fitting or incorrect crown affects both the look of the watch and the seal against dust and moisture, even though watches this age should not be treated as water-resistant regardless of their original rating. |
The Movement
The caliber 982 is a 19-jewel manual wind movement produced in Hamilton's Lancaster, Pennsylvania factory. It belongs to the 12/0 size family and occupies the high-grade tier of Hamilton's American-made movements, the elevated jewel count reflecting the tighter tolerances and finishing standards applied to these calibers relative to Hamilton's standard-grade offerings. Being a manual wind movement, it requires periodic winding at the crown to keep the mainspring charged, with a power reserve of approximately 45 hours on a full wind. The movement beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour, a conventional frequency for American-made movements of this period. The caliber 982 is a known quantity among watchmakers familiar with Hamilton's domestic production, and parts remain findable, though any example that has not been serviced in recent years will benefit from a proper cleaning and fresh lubrication before regular wear.