Sherwood S
1962 · 10K yellow GF · Manual Wind
About the Sherwood S
Made only in 1962, the Sherwood S pairs Hamilton's caliber 770 manual wind movement with one of the more unusual dial choices in the American dress watch lineup: real teakwood. The rectangular 10K yellow gold-filled case frames a teakwood dial with hand-applied 14K gold numerals and markers at 3, 9, and 12, plus a subseconds register at 6 o'clock. The Sherwood S is part of Hamilton's broader Sherwood family, which explored unconventional dial materials during the early 1960s as Hamilton looked for ways to differentiate its dress line.
Finding a clean Sherwood S today means scrutinizing the teakwood dial carefully. Natural wood dials are sensitive to humidity and handling, and decades of exposure can leave them checked, faded, or warped in ways that aren't always obvious in photographs. The bracelet version with teakwood inserts is particularly appealing as a matched set, but those inserts are even more susceptible to wear and damage, so expect to see them in varying states of condition.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Sherwood S as featuring a teakwood dial and bracelet inserts alongside the 10K yellow gold-filled case, positioning it as a design statement as much as a timepiece. It retailed for $89.50 with the teakwood-insert bracelet, or $79.50 on a strap, and was marketed with the full complement of Hamilton quality claims: 22 jewels, shock resistance, anti-magnetic protection, and weatherproof construction.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine the teakwood dial closely for checking, cracking, warping, or discoloration. Wood is unforgiving of moisture and age. The hand-applied 14K gold numerals and markers should sit cleanly and evenly; look for any that have shifted or lifted at the edges. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. A fresh crystal is an inexpensive fix, but a damaged crystal sitting on a wood dial for years can trap moisture and cause irreversible damage underneath. |
| Movement | Dried oil is a common issue in stored examples of this era. If the watch is reluctant to start or stops after a few hours of running, assume a full service is needed. The caliber 770 is a solid movement but won't tolerate decades-old lubrication. |
| Case | The 10K gold-filled case can show wear-through on high-contact areas like lugs and caseback edges. Check those spots first. The hidden lug design means the bracelet or strap attachment points are tucked close to the case, so inspect carefully for any cracks or stress marks in that area. |
| Crown | Test winding feel and hand-setting. The crown should engage smoothly without slipping or grinding. A worn crown tube or damaged threads on a gold-filled case can be a more involved repair than it first appears. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is Hamilton's 22-jewel manual wind movement, built on an 8/0 size platform and regarded as one of the more refined American movements of its era. The higher jewel count, full adjustment, and Dynavar mainspring made it a step above Hamilton's standard dress watch movements. It winds with a satisfying, controlled feel and keeps good time when properly serviced.