Parker B
1956–1962 · 10k Solid Yellow Gold / 10k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Parker B
Made from 1956 through 1962, the Parker B runs on Hamilton's caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement housed in a round 10K gold case available in either yellow or white gold. The Parker B is the companion piece to the Parker, sharing the same basic architecture but offering a distinct dial treatment that set it apart in Hamilton's dress watch lineup. What makes the Parker B stand out visually is its silver dial dressed with 14K gold applied numerals at the even-hour positions and gold dot indices filling the remaining marks.
Silver dials from this era can be prone to spotting or tarnish if moisture has gotten in at any point, so look closely at the dial surface before anything else. The applied 14K gold numerals are a genuine selling point here, and finding a Parker B where they're all intact, properly seated, and free of corrosion is a meaningful thing. At $110 in period dollars, this was a serious purchase, and Hamilton built it accordingly.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Parker B in period catalogs as featuring a 10K yellow gold case with 14K gold numerals and dots on a sterling silver dial, and priced it at $110 on a strap. The 14K numerals on a sterling dial was an upgrade specification that Hamilton called out explicitly, and it shows in the finished product.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | Inspect the silver dial for spotting, spotting or discoloration, or moisture damage. Check that all applied 14K gold numerals are present and sitting flat, not pulling away from the dial or tilted. The painted black markers and gold dot indices should be crisp, without flaking or wear. |
| Crystal | The original crystal is acrylic. Check for deep scratches or crazing. A light polish can address minor surface marks, but a heavily scratched crystal should be replaced. |
| Movement | Oil dries and hardens in movements of this age, and that friction buildup can stop the caliber 770 cold even if it appears to wind and set normally. A service is the only reliable way to know what you actually have. |
| Case | The case is 10K gold, either yellow or white depending on the example. Check the case back carefully, as these can be difficult to open and are sometimes marred by previous attempts. Also look at the movement ring inside for any verdigris, which can indicate past moisture exposure. |
| Crown | The crown should be signed Hamilton and should wind and set smoothly without slipping. A worn or unsigned crown is a small but telling detail on a watch at this price point. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement, one of Hamilton's more refined domestic-production calibers from this period. The higher jewel count relative to Hamilton's standard-grade movements translates to better shock and wear resistance, and the 770 has a reputation among collectors for being both accurate and durable when properly maintained. Wind it from a fully run-down state and it should give a solid week of daily wear on a single wind.