Trevor
1959 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Trevor
Made only in 1959, the Trevor is a square-cased manual wind Hamilton offered in a 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate case with a stainless steel back. It runs on the caliber 673, a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across several of its dress-oriented models in this period. The dial is white with embossed gold numerals at all positions except 6, where a subseconds register takes their place. It's a clean, well-proportioned watch that fits comfortably in Hamilton's lineup of affordable dress pieces from the late 1950s.
Condition of the case surface is worth attention on any RGP watch from this era. Rolled Gold Plate wears through at the high points over time, so inspect the lugs and case edges closely before buying. The embossed numerals on the dial give it a little more visual texture than a flat printed dial, but that also makes refinishing difficult if the dial has been damaged, so original condition matters here.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1959 catalog described the Trevor simply and directly: 10K yellow rolled gold plate case, stainless steel back, yellow embossed numerals. It retailed at $55.00 on bracelet and $45.00 on strap, which placed it in Hamilton's accessible entry range for a dressed square-case watch that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1959
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the embossed gold numerals. Chips, separation of the raised edges, or flattening of the relief detail are hard to restore well, and a refinished dial will rarely match the original. Check for foxing, moisture staining, or discoloration around the subseconds register at 6 o'clock. |
| Crystal | The original crystal is almost certainly long gone. Check that whatever replacement is fitted sits flush and doesn't distort the dial view. A poorly fitted crystal can put pressure on the dial over time. |
| Movement | Wind the watch fully and listen for any grinding or resistance. A caliber 673 that has been sitting dry for years will often run slow or stop from friction alone. If it winds smoothly and runs consistently, that's a good sign, but a service is still warranted on any watch this age. |
| Case | The rolled gold plate finish will show wear at the lugs and case edges on most survivors. Examine those areas under good light. Some wear is expected and honest, but deep wear through to the base metal affects both appearance and value. |
| Crown | The set lever spring in movements of this era is a known weak point and can break if the crown is forced or if the watch has been set carelessly. Test the crown through winding and setting and make sure it moves between positions cleanly without slipping or catching. |
The Movement
The caliber 673 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's American production era. It's a compact, reliable workhorse that winds and hacks cleanly and was used in a number of Hamilton's dress-market models during the late 1950s. Like most movements of its age, it will benefit significantly from a full clean and oil, as lubricants from this period have long since dried or degraded.