Paxton B
1956 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Paxton B
Made from 1956 through 1956, the Paxton B is a compact round dress watch running on the ETA 1220, a 17-jewel manual wind caliber. The case pairs a 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate with a stainless steel back, a common construction in Hamilton's mid-1950s lineup that kept costs accessible without sacrificing the look of a gold watch. The Paxton B is a sibling to the Paxton, sharing the same general profile with subtle differences in dial configuration. Embossed gold numerals and markers give the dial a tactile depth that flat-printed dials simply can't match.
Embossed dials are particularly vulnerable to cleaning damage over the decades, so condition here matters more than on a standard printed dial. The embossing can flatten or lose definition if someone has gone at it with a polish cloth or a heavy cleaning solution, so examine the numerals and markers closely before committing. Finding a Paxton B with the embossing still crisp and the rolled gold case holding its plating evenly is genuinely satisfying for a watch that only appeared in one catalog year.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Paxton B in 1956 with characteristic brevity, noting its 10K yellow rolled gold case with stainless steel back and embossed dial. It retailed for $39.50, placing it in the accessible middle of Hamilton's dress watch range for that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1956
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the embossed gold numerals and markers. The raised detail should still have definition and not appear flattened or worn smooth. Check for discoloration, spotting, or any sign that the dial has been exposed to moisture or aggressive cleaning. |
| Crystal | The original crystal on a watch from 1956 is almost certainly an acrylic. Check for deep scratches or crazing. A replacement acrylic is straightforward, but make sure any replacement fits the bezel properly without gaps. |
| Movement | The ETA 1220 is a capable caliber, but oil dries out over decades. A movement that has gone unserviced for a long time will build up enough friction from dried lubricants to run poorly or stop entirely. Ask whether the watch has been serviced recently. |
| Case | The 10K yellow rolled gold plate over a stainless steel back wears through at the lugs and bezel edges first. Inspect those areas carefully for brass showing through. Some wear is expected on a watch this age, but heavy wear through the plating significantly affects value. |
| Crown | Check that the crown threads in smoothly and that the stem engages cleanly in both the winding and setting positions. A worn or replaced crown that doesn't match the case finish is worth factoring into your assessment. |
The Movement
The ETA 1220 is a Swiss-made 17-jewel manual wind caliber that Hamilton used during the mid-1950s as it sourced movements beyond its Lancaster production. It winds and sets conventionally, with a subseconds dial running at the 6 o'clock position. It's a straightforward, reliable movement when properly serviced, and parts are generally not difficult to source.