Ramsey
1961–1962 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Ramsey
Made from 1961 through 1962 and 1962, the Ramsey is a clean, round dress watch from Hamilton's early-1960s catalog. It runs on the caliber 673, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, and wears a 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate case with a stainless steel back. The dial is the real draw here: an embossed silver surface with embossed gold numerals at 12 and 6, bow-tie shaped markers at 3 and 9, sliver-shaped markers at the remaining positions, and a textured band running around the circumference.
The embossed dial is both what makes the Ramsey interesting and what makes condition so important. That textured surface is difficult to refinish correctly, and a polished or re-lacquered dial loses the depth and dimensionality that gives this watch its character. Finding one with the original dial intact, especially with the circumference band still showing its texture, is worth the patience.
From the Catalog
Hamilton kept the original description spare, much like the watch itself: 10K yellow rolled gold plate case, stainless steel back, embossed dial. In 1961 it retailed for $49.95 on bracelet or $42.95 on strap.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1961
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | The embossed texture is the hardest thing to fake well and the first thing to go when someone tries to clean or refinish this dial. Look closely at the textured band around the circumference and the depth of the embossed markers. Flattened texture, inconsistent sheen, or a too-uniform surface finish are signs the dial has been touched. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or a hazy, crazed surface. A correct replacement crystal is an inexpensive fix, but a poorly fitted one can sit proud of the bezel or press on the dial. |
| Movement | The caliber 673 is a manual wind. Oil dries and hardens in movements of this age, and that friction buildup can stop it cold or cause erratic timekeeping. A watch that runs but runs poorly almost always needs a full service, not just a wind. |
| Case | This is a rolled gold plate case, not solid gold, so the plating on high-wear areas like the lugs and caseback edge can wear through to the base metal over decades. Check lug tops and the caseback lip. Light wear is normal; worn-through patches are harder to address without replating. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently to make sure it moves between positions cleanly and without slipping. A worn or replacement crown that does not match the original profile will be noticeable on a watch this simple. |
The Movement
The caliber 673 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It is a reliable, straightforward movement from this period, wound and set by hand, with no automatic rotor or complications to contend with. Like all movements of this age, it benefits from a full service to replace dried lubricants and inspect the keyless works.