Turner (1953)
1935–1936 · 10k Solid White/Yellow Gold · Manual
About the Turner (1953)
The Turner was produced from 1935 through 1936 in a 10K gold-filled case, available in either white or natural yellow gold tone. Hamilton offered two dial configurations at launch: a combination marker and numeral dial at $37.50, or an applied gold marker dial at $40.00. The Turner does not belong to a named family line but fits squarely within Hamilton's mid-1930s dress watch offerings, a period when the company was producing a wide range of elegant, affordable gold-filled models for the American market.
Finding a Turner today means finding one of two dial variants, and knowing which you have affects the picture considerably. The applied gold marker version is the more visually refined of the two and carries a modest premium over the combination dial. Case condition is the main variable to watch on gold-filled examples from this era, particularly along the lugs and case back edge where the base metal can begin to show through with heavy wear.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Turner in 10K gold-filled cases with the choice of white or natural yellow, pricing the standard combination dial version at $37.50 and stepping up to $40.00 for the applied gold marker dial variant.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1935
1936
1953
1954
What to Look For
| Dial | Identify which variant you have: the combination marker and numeral dial, or the applied gold marker dial. On the applied marker version, check that the markers are all present and sitting flat. On either variant, look for hairlines, spotting, or re-lacquering, which can be hard to spot in listing photos but becomes obvious in hand. |
| Crystal | Expect a replacement crystal on most examples at this age. Verify it fits flush with the bezel and has no deep scratches that scatter light across the dial. A poor-fitting crystal is an easy fix, but it does signal the watch may not have had careful stewardship. |
| Movement | Confirm the watch winds with smooth, even resistance and that it runs. Oil dries out over decades and can generate enough friction to stop a movement entirely, so a watch that winds but won't run is a common condition on unserviced examples from this period. |
| Case | Gold-filled cases show wear at the lugs and along the case back edge first. Examine those areas closely for brass showing through. Light wear is normal and expected on a watch from the mid-1930s, but deep wear-through significantly affects value. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly and that the stem engages the setting position without slipping. A loose or wobbly crown often means a worn or replaced stem, which is a minor repair but worth factoring in. |
The Movement
Hamilton's American-made movements from this period were robust lever-escapement calibers built to tight tolerances. Without specific caliber data for this reference, the exact jewel count is not confirmed, but these movements were designed for reliability and respond well to a proper cleaning and service. At 90 years old, virtually every example will benefit from fresh lubrication.