Stormking IV
1955–1960 · 10k YGF / Stainless · Manual Wind
About the Stormking IV
Made from 1955 through 1960, the Stormking IV pairs Hamilton's caliber 748 or 735 with a 10K yellow Gold Filled case and stainless steel back, finished with a sterling silver dial carrying applied 18K gold numerals and luminous markers and dots. The sweep seconds hand gives it a clean, purposeful face that reads well at a glance. Part of the Stormking family, the IV shares its sportier, water-resistant DNA with models like the Stormking I, V, and XI, though each has its own case and dial character. Hamilton marketed it as waterproof, with the caveat that the original seal needed to be restored any time the case was opened for servicing.
Dial condition is the first thing worth scrutinizing on these. The silver dial surface can develop patina or spotting over decades, and the luminous material in the markers and dots has likely aged to a warm cream or tan, which is normal but worth seeing in person. Hamilton produced the Stormking IV in several dial configurations, including a butler-finished variant, a 12-hour dial, and a 24-hour dial, so it's worth confirming which version you're looking at before drawing comparisons on value or originality.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1955 catalog described the Stormking IV as having a 10K yellow gold-filled case with a stainless steel back, sweep seconds, and 18K gold numerals and luminous markers and dots on a sterling silver dial, with waterproof construction. It was offered on a strap for $75.00 or on a bracelet for $79.50.
Hamilton Catalog Images
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What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the silver dial surface for spotting, corrosion, or refinishing. The applied 18K gold numerals and markers should sit cleanly with no separated edges or adhesive residue. Check that the luminous material in the dots and markers is intact and consistent, even if discolored with age. |
| Crystal | These originally came with a domed crystal. Check for deep scratches, crazing, or a replacement that sits too flat, which could indicate the wrong profile was used during a past service. |
| Movement | The caliber 748 is a challenging movement to service correctly. It requires precise alignment of four wheels during reassembly, and the escape wheel pivot is easy to break if any force is applied. Ask specifically about service history and whether the work was done by someone with experience on this caliber. |
| Case | Check the gold-filled surface on the case for wear-through, particularly on the lugs and case sides where contact is highest. The stainless steel back should show the original markings clearly and fit flush without signs of forced removal or cross-threading. |
| Crown | Given the waterproof designation, the crown and gasket condition matter more than on a standard dress watch. Check that the crown threads smoothly and seats fully. A crown that feels loose or wobbles is worth flagging before purchase. |
The Movement
The caliber 748 is an 18-jewel manual wind movement built to Hamilton's American specifications of the mid-1950s. It runs a sweep seconds configuration, meaning the seconds hand is driven off the center of the movement rather than a small subseconds dial. The 735, also 18 jewels, is a related movement that appears in some examples of this model and performs similarly in day-to-day use.