Tuxedo B
1957–1960 · 14k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Tuxedo B
The Tuxedo B was produced from 1957 through 1960 as part of Hamilton's Masterpiece collection, the line reserved for Hamilton's most formal and jewelry-forward designs. It runs on the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement, housed in a 14K white gold case set with 44 diamonds in the bezel. The silver dial carries rhodium-plated gold markers and no numerals, letting the diamond bezel do the talking.
Diamonds complicate condition assessments significantly on a watch like this. Check the bezel carefully for missing or replaced stones, since a full, original 44-diamond setting is what drives collector value here. The silver dial can develop a warm patina over time, which some collectors appreciate and others have polished away, so look closely at whether the surface shows any evidence of cleaning or refinishing.
From the Catalog
Hamilton positioned the Tuxedo B as a formal jewelry watch, describing it in period catalogs with 14K white gold, rhodium-plated gold markers on a sterling silver dial, and 44 diamonds in the bezel. It retailed for $475, which placed it firmly at the top of Hamilton's dress watch pricing for the time.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1959
What to Look For
| Dial | The silver dial is prone to light oxidation over decades. Look for even, natural aging across the surface. Any blotchy discoloration or evidence of polishing near the markers suggests someone tried to clean it, which can affect value. |
| Crystal | Check for chips, crazing, or a replacement crystal that sits slightly off. A crystal that doesn't follow the dial's profile closely is often an incorrect replacement. |
| Movement | The caliber 770 is a capable movement, but oil dries out over decades of sitting. Wind it fully and listen for any grinding or hesitation. A watch that runs erratically or stops shortly after winding almost certainly needs a service before it's reliable. |
| Case | 14K white gold cases from this era are softer than stainless and tend to show wear on the lugs and case edges. Some polishing is common, but heavy polishing rounds out the original lines. Also worth noting: the case back on watches like this can be stubborn to open without the right tools, so if it looks like someone forced it, check the back for damage or a poor seal. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently through its positions and make sure it engages cleanly. A crown that spins without resistance or feels loose in the stem is a sign of wear that will need attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across several of its higher-end dress watches from this period. It winds smoothly, keeps good time when properly serviced, and has a solid reputation among collectors and watchmakers alike. At 22 jewels it is well-jeweled for a manual wind of its era, which reduces friction at the wear points and contributes to its longevity when maintained.