Reardon cld
1952–1954 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual
About the Reardon cld
Made from 1952 through 1954, the Reardon cld is part of Hamilton's CLD family — Hamilton's first serious push toward a sealed case design. The crystal was set into the bezel on a gasket, the bezel itself seated against the case with a second gasket, and the crown used a two-piece stem with its own gasket at the stem tube, giving the movement solid isolation from moisture and dirt. These weren't waterproof watches by any rating; that claim came later in the decade. The CLD construction was an engineering step, not a marketing one. The 14k solid yellow gold case pairs with an 18-jewel movement and sweep seconds hand, putting it squarely in Hamilton's higher-end catalog offerings for that year. The dial is a standout detail: two-tone silver with a pearled track and 18k gold markers and squares, a combination that gives it a quiet formality that reads well even decades later.
The silver dial is the first thing to scrutinize on a Reardon cld. Silver-finished dials can develop spotting or discoloration unevenly over seventy-plus years, and refinished dials are common enough that original patina is worth preserving and worth verifying. Finding one with an honest, unpolished case and an untouched dial is the goal.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1954 catalog described the Reardon cld as sealed against moisture and dirt, listing it at $160.00, which reflected both the 14k gold case and the quality of the dial materials. The official description called out the 18k gold markers and squares on the two-tone sterling silver dial specifically, suggesting Hamilton considered the dial construction a primary selling point.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1952
1954
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the two-tone silver dial. Original dials will show age-appropriate patina rather than a bright, uniform appearance. Be cautious of any signs of refinishing, including a too-clean look, loss of detail in the pearled track, or markers that appear reattached or reglued. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, crazing, or deep scratches. Replacement crystals are available, but confirm the fit is correct and seated properly, since a poorly fitted crystal compromises the sealed case design. |
| Movement | The watch should be running and keeping reasonable time. Oil dries out over seven decades, and enough friction can accumulate to stop the movement entirely. If it's not running, budget for a full service before wearing it. |
| Case | The 14k gold case should show appropriate wear for its age. Check the lugs, which taper with swept lines and can thin out if the case has been over-polished. Heavy polishing is a real concern on gold cases from this era. |
| Crown | On a sealed-case model like this, the crown and stem are part of the moisture protection system. Make sure the crown seats firmly and isn't loose or wobbling, which would indicate a worn or damaged stem. |
The Movement
The Reardon cld runs on an 18-jewel Hamilton movement with a sweep seconds hand, meaning the seconds hand is on the main dial rather than on a separate subseconds dial. The 18-jewel count places it in Hamilton's better-grade category, with additional jewels reducing friction at the movement's most vulnerable bearing points. It's a reliable movement when properly serviced, but like any watch of this age, it benefits from fresh lubrication and a full inspection.