Sherwood M
1961–1962 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Sherwood M
The Sherwood M was part of Hamilton's Medallion Series, a line positioned as the top of Hamilton's conventional dress watch offerings in the early 1960s. Made from 1961 through 1962, it pairs a 14K yellow gold square case with a genuinely unusual dial material: American walnut wood, fitted with applied 14K gold numerals and markers at the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 positions, plus a subseconds hand. Under the dial sits the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement. The Medallion Series context is worth a sentence: these were Hamilton's showcase pieces, and the Sherwood M was one of the more distinctive expressions of that ambition.
Finding one with a dial in good shape is the real challenge here. Wood dials are sensitive to humidity changes and age, and the walnut can warp, crack, or develop surface irregularities that can't be undone. A clean example with an intact dial is genuinely hard to come by, and the applied gold numerals and markers should sit flat and secure, with no separation at the edges.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Medallion Series in 1962 as the world's finest conventional watches for men, built around designs of exceptional artistry. The Sherwood M was one of the exclusive models in that family, listed at $150 in the 1962 catalog, with its American walnut wood dial and 14K yellow gold case called out specifically.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | This is the heart of what makes the Sherwood M interesting, and it's the first thing to scrutinize. Look for cracking, warping, or surface irregularities in the walnut wood. Check that all applied gold numerals and markers are sitting flat with no separation from the dial surface. Any significant dial damage here is essentially irreversible. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches, chips, or crazing. Replacement crystals for square vintage Hamilton cases can be harder to source than round ones, so condition matters more than it might on a conventional round case. |
| Movement | Ask when the caliber 770 was last serviced. Oil stiffens in movements of this age, and enough friction from dried lubricants can stop the watch entirely or cause inconsistent timekeeping that doesn't show up in a short test run. |
| Case | The 14K yellow gold case should show no deep gouges or heavy polishing that has softened the original lines. Light wear on the lugs is normal given the age, but aggressive buffing flattens the case geometry and reduces collector value. Check the case back for evidence of prior openings. |
| Crown | The crown should feel positive and smooth through both the winding and time-setting positions, with no slipping or roughness. A worn crown on a gold case is worth factoring into your offer, as matching replacements aren't always easy to find. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It's a well-regarded movement known for reliability and smooth winding action, and the higher jewel count reflects the Medallion Series positioning as Hamilton's quality flagship. Servicing is straightforward for an experienced watchmaker, but the movement ring on these can be prone to verdigris over time, so it's worth having a look under the dial if you have access before purchase.