Sea Cliff
1960–1962 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Sea Cliff
Made from 1960 through 1962, the Sea Cliff is part of Hamilton's Medallion family, a line of dress watches aimed at the higher end of Hamilton's domestic catalog. It runs on the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement, and comes in a 10K yellow Gold Filled round case. The dial is one of the more refined details here: applied gold numerals and markers in 14K gold on a sterling silver base, with a subseconds register at 6 o'clock.
Silver dials are worth close attention on any example this age, since silver is susceptible to spotting and discoloration and oxidation in ways that other dial materials are not. A well-preserved Sea Cliff dial will have even color and no separation at the applied markers or numerals. The combination of 14K gold appliques on silver was a genuine material distinction that Hamilton called out by name in their catalog copy, and it shows when the dial has been kept clean and dry.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1960 catalog described the Sea Cliff as having a 10K yellow gold-filled case with 14K gold numerals and markers on a sterling silver dial, and listed it at $95. The weatherproof designation was part of the official description, though Hamilton's asterisk on that term pointed to the usual caveats about service and seal condition.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1960
1961
What to Look For
| Dial | Silver dials can spotting or discoloration unevenly, especially around the edges or under the applied markers. Look for discoloration, spotting, or any separation at the base of the gold numerals or hour markers. Minor patina is normal; uneven dark staining or flaking is not. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches, crazing, or chips. A hazy or cracked crystal can obscure dial condition and should be replaced before evaluating what's underneath. |
| Movement | Lubricants dry out in movements of this age, and enough friction from congealed oil will cause a manual wind to run erratically or stop outright. Ask when the caliber 770 was last serviced, and factor in a service if there's no clear answer. |
| Case | Gold-filled cases wear through at high-contact points over time, particularly on the lugs and case back edge. Check those areas for color breaks or brass showing through. The case back on round GF cases from this era can be tight, so make sure it's been opened properly and not pried. |
| Crown | The Sea Cliff was listed as weatherproof in its original catalog, but that rating does not hold on a watch that has not been recently serviced and resealed. Keep it away from water regardless of its original designation. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It winds and sets conventionally, runs at 18,000 beats per hour, and has a solid reputation for accuracy and longevity when properly maintained. The higher jewel count relative to Hamilton's standard movements of the period reflects its placement in the Medallion line.