Prescott B
1956–1957 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Prescott B
The Prescott B appeared in a single catalog year, 1957, placing it among the more short-lived entries in Hamilton's Masterpiece family. It runs on the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement, and comes housed in a 14K yellow gold round case. What makes the dial particularly interesting is the construction Hamilton used: applied gold numerals at 3, 9, and 12, gold dots filling the remaining hour positions, luminous dots for low-light reading, and a pearled track ringing the chapter ring, all on a silver dial. Hamilton also engineered the hands with luminous material on their undersides, so they appear silhouetted against the lit dial in the dark rather than glowing from above.
Finding one in honest shape means checking that silver dial carefully. Silver-finished dials can develop a patina that ranges from subtle warmth to significant toning over nearly seven decades, and the luminous dots may have aged or shrunk. The pearled track and applied gold elements are delicate, and any signs of prior amateur cleaning or polishing on the dial face should give pause. For a multiple years model in a solid gold case, survivors that haven't been overly fussed with are genuinely satisfying finds.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Prescott B in 1957 with particular attention to the dial's construction, noting the 14K gold numerals, dots, luminous dots, and pearled track on sterling silver, and calling out that the undersides of the hands were luminous so they would appear silhouetted in the dark. It retailed at $135 on a strap.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1935
1936
1955
1957
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine the silver dial under good light for toning, spotting, or uneven patina. Check that the applied gold numerals at 3, 9, and 12 are still fully seated and haven't separated at any edge. The luminous dots can shrink or fall out over time, so count them carefully against the gold dots at each hour position. The pearled track should be intact all the way around. |
| Crystal | Look for chips, deep scratches, or crazing that would affect legibility or authenticity. A replacement crystal that doesn't match the original profile can alter how the dial looks and sits. |
| Movement | Oil dries out in the caliber 770 over decades and creates enough friction to stop the movement or cause erratic timekeeping long before it stops entirely. Ask whether the watch has been serviced, and if the seller can't say, budget for a full service before relying on it. |
| Case | This is a 14K yellow gold case, so check for wear at the lugs and any signs of previous polishing that has softened the edges or changed the original profile. Gold cases are sometimes over-polished by prior owners trying to refresh them, which removes material and alters the look. |
| Crown | The crown should pull out smoothly and wind with even resistance. A crown that spins without resistance, feels gritty, or won't seat fully when pushed in points to wear in the stem or setting mechanism that will need attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is one of Hamilton's more refined American-made manual wind movements, running at 22 jewels. It winds and sets with a clean feel, and its higher jewel count reflects Hamilton's intent to position it in their upper-tier offerings. Keeping it running well over the decades comes down to clean oil, since dried lubricants create friction that the movement will fight against until it simply stops.