Sherwood R
1961–1962 · 14k Solid White Gold, 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Sherwood R
The Sherwood R appeared in a single catalog year, 1961, though it carried into 1962 production, making it one of Hamilton's more focused releases from that period. It's part of the same wood-dial family as the Sir Echo, a small cluster of models Hamilton offered with genuine wood dials rather than the lacquered or painted surfaces typical of the era. The 14K gold case came in yellow or white, and each version was paired with its own specific dial material: Benin wood for the yellow gold model, American walnut for the white gold version. Power comes from the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement.
The wood dial is the thing most buyers fixate on, and rightfully so. Benin wood and American walnut are both genuine materials that age differently than lacquer or enamel, so condition varies more than it would on a conventional dial. Checking for cracks, warping, or separation at the edges is worth doing carefully, since a damaged wood dial is essentially irreplaceable.
From the Catalog
Hamilton priced the Sherwood R at $135 in 1961, positioning it as a premium offering. The catalog called out the wood dial materials by name, with 14K gold numerals and markers on Benin wood for the yellow gold version and rhodium-plated numerals and markers on American walnut for the white gold model.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1961
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine the wood surface closely under good light. Look for cracks, warping, or any separation around the edges where the wood meets the case. The Benin wood dial pairs with the yellow gold case; the American walnut pairs with white gold. Confirm the pairing is correct. Applied gold markers on the yellow model should be fully seated with no detachment or missing pieces. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. A replacement crystal on a wood-dial watch like this needs to sit properly to avoid contact with the dial surface, so confirm it's seated correctly and not pressing down. |
| Movement | Ask when the caliber 770 was last serviced. Oil thickens and loses its properties in movements of this age, and enough friction from dried lubricants can bring the watch to a stop. A movement that runs but isn't keeping time should be treated as overdue for service. |
| Case | Confirm whether the case is 14K yellow or white gold, and that it matches the dial. Check the lugs for wear and the case back for signs of forced opening, which can damage the snap or threads. |
| Crown | Work the crown through its positions. It should wind smoothly and set the hands without slipping. A worn crown on a gold case watch can be expensive to replace, so any roughness or looseness is worth knowing before purchase. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a range of their dressier models in the early 1960s. It's a well-regarded movement known for its smooth action and accuracy when properly maintained. At 22 jewels it's generously jeweled for a manual wind, which reduces friction at the most critical wear points and contributes to its longevity when serviced regularly.