Stuart
1951–1954 · 14k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Stuart
The Stuart was produced from 1951 through 1954, a tonneau-cased dress watch aimed squarely at the conservative end of Hamilton's men's line. It runs on the caliber 982, a 19-jewel manual wind movement, and the case is 14K yellow Gold Filled. The dial is two-toned with applied gold numerals and markers, and Hamilton used solid 18K gold for those numerals and squares from the start, which was a meaningful detail at a $71.50 price point. The Stuart B is a closely related sibling, sharing the same general character with minor differences in configuration.
Finding a Stuart in good shape means paying close attention to that two-toned dial, which typically shows a silver base with a butler finish section. The applied 18K gold numerals and markers hold up well over time, but the dial itself can show spotting or uneven patina where the two finishes meet, so look carefully at that transition zone under good light. The case, in 14K yellow gold fill, tends to survive the decades reasonably well given that tonneau cases don't usually take the same edge wear that round cases do.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1952 catalog listed the Stuart at $71.50 on a leather strap, noting the 18K gold numerals, squares, and markers on a sterling silver dial. Hamilton's own copy from 1951 described it as 'conservative but distinctive, designed for men of good judgment,' which tells you exactly who Hamilton had in mind.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1951
1952
1953
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine the two-toned dial closely at the boundary between the silver and butler finish sections. Spotting, discoloration, or peeling can develop right at that seam. The applied gold numerals and markers should be fully seated with no gaps underneath and no missing pieces at the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 positions. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, deep scratches, or a poor-fitting replacement. A crystal that sits too low can contact the hands, and one that fits loosely will eventually let in dust. |
| Movement | A caliber 982 this old has almost certainly never been serviced recently, or if it has, those lubricants may be spent too. Dried oil creates enough friction to stop or erratically slow the movement. Confirm it's running, then assume a service is needed regardless. |
| Case | Gold-filled cases wear through to the base metal over decades, especially on the lugs and case back edges. Inspect those areas for brass showing through. The case back on these can be stubborn to open without the right tool, so look for evidence of prying damage around the back edge. |
| Crown | The crown should wind smoothly with no slipping and should click cleanly into the time-setting position. A worn or replaced crown on a gold-filled case is a minor issue, but confirm the stem engagement is solid before buying. |
The Movement
The caliber 982 is a 19-jewel manual wind movement, one of Hamilton's more refined domestic calibers from the early 1950s. It's a larger movement that winds and sets predictably, and the 19-jewel count puts it at the higher end of Hamilton's jeweling for the period. Like any movement approaching 70-plus years old, the lubricants have long since dried out, and a watch running on spent oil is building wear with every tick.