Tuxedo II
1961–1963 · 14k Solid White Gold · Manual Wind
About the Tuxedo II
The Tuxedo II was produced from 1961 through 1963, pairing Hamilton's caliber 770 manual wind movement with a 14K white gold case set with 44 diamonds in the bezel. The dial is silver with 14K gold rhodium-plated markers and black painted markers, finished with a distinctive silver-colored H at 12 o'clock and curved silver arcs between the hour positions. It belongs to a small group of diamond-set dress watches from this era, with the Whitford being its closest relative in the Hamilton lineup. At $475 in 1961, it was one of the more serious purchases in the catalog.
Finding a Tuxedo II in good shape means paying close attention to the bezel diamonds first. Stones can go missing or become loose over sixty-plus years, and replacing them to match the originals takes real effort. The silver dial is prone to oxidation if moisture has ever gotten in, so look carefully for dark spotting or discoloration under good light, especially near the edges where the dial meets the case.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Tuxedo II as having a 14K white gold case with 44 diamonds in the bezel, paired with a satin and suede strap, and priced it at $475 in 1961. The emphasis on the diamond count and precious metal case put it squarely in Hamilton's fine jewelry watch category.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1961
1963
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the silver dial for oxidation, discoloration, or dark spotting near the edges. The painted black markers and silver arc details are delicate and don't survive careless cleaning. The rhodium-plated markers should have an even finish with no peeling or flaking. |
| Crystal | Look at the crystal from a low angle. Scratches on a domed crystal catch light in ways that flat crystals don't, and a replacement that doesn't match the original profile will look off on a dress watch like this. |
| Movement | Oil in a caliber 770 of this age has almost certainly dried out, which creates enough friction to affect timekeeping or stop the movement entirely. A watch that runs intermittently or won't hold power through a full wind is a sign it needs a full service before regular wear. |
| Case | Examine the bezel carefully for missing or loose diamonds. Even a single absent stone is visible at a glance. Also check the 14K white gold case for deep scratches or polishing that has softened the original lines. |
| Crown | The crown should pull smoothly and wind with consistent resistance. A crown that slips, feels gritty, or won't seat properly may signal a worn stem or a setting issue that needs attention before the watch is worn. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement built to Hamilton's higher-grade specifications for the early 1960s. It's a reliable, well-finished movement that rewards proper service, with a jewel count that reflects its positioning in the dress watch tier. When running clean and freshly oiled, it keeps good time and winds with a satisfying, solid feel.