Raleigh (1929)
1929–1932 · 14K white GF,14K green GF,14K yellow GF · Manual Wind
About the Raleigh (1929)
The Raleigh was produced from 1929 through 1932, a four-year run that placed it squarely in the early years of Hamilton's elegant dress watch tradition. The tonneau case came in 14K gold-filled in three color options: natural yellow, green, and white gold. Inside runs the caliber 987F, a 17-jewel manual-wind movement that Hamilton used across a range of quality dress watches from this era. The dial carries luminous painted numerals at all positions except 6 o'clock, with a subseconds register filling that lower position.
Finding a Raleigh in honest shape means paying close attention to the case finish, since gold-filled cases from this period can show wear through to the base metal at the lugs and high-contact edges. The three color variants are equally period-correct, and original dial condition matters significantly here given the luminous paint used for the numerals, which can darken, flake, or discolor over nearly a century.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Raleigh in plain gold-filled cases with an etched numeral dial, available in natural yellow, green, or white gold. The original price was $52.00 in 1932, which positioned it as a considered purchase for the period.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1929
1930
1932
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the luminous painted numerals for flaking, loss, or significant discoloration. Some aging is expected and accepted, but heavy lume deterioration affects legibility and originality. Check that the dial surface itself is clean and free from moisture damage or staining. |
| Crystal | Expect a replacement crystal on most examples at this age. Make sure it fits the tonneau shape correctly, seats flush, and is free from deep scratches or chips that interfere with reading the dial. |
| Movement | The caliber 987F should be running and keeping reasonable time. Dried oil accumulates enough friction on a movement this age to stop it entirely, so a watch that runs erratically or not at all likely needs a full service. Ask whether the watch has been recently serviced. |
| Case | Gold-filled cases from this period wear through at the lugs and case edges first. Inspect those areas carefully. Some honest wear is expected on a 90-plus-year-old watch, but look for even plating thickness and avoid cases with deep wear-through at the lug bases, which can compromise structural integrity over time. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without slipping. A worn crown or stripped stem will need attention before the watch is reliable to use daily. |
The Movement
The caliber 987F is a 17-jewel manual-wind movement that Hamilton produced for its dress watch line during this period. It is a small, refined movement suited to the slim tonneau cases of the era, wound and set through the crown in the traditional way. The 987F has a reputation for accuracy when well-maintained, but the hairspring and balance pivots are delicate and require careful hands during any service.