Vardon cld
1950–1953 · Stainless Steel · Manual
About the Vardon cld
Produced from 1950 through 1953, the Vardon is part of Hamilton's CLD family — Hamilton's first serious attempt at a sealed case design. The crystal was set into the bezel on a gasket, the bezel seated against the case with a second gasket, and the crown used a two-piece stem with its own gasket sealing at the stem tube, keeping the movement well-protected from moisture and dirt. These weren't waterproof watches — that designation came later in the decade — but the CLD construction gave the movement a level of environmental protection that standard cases of the period simply didn't offer. The stainless steel case carries swept lugs and a silver dial with rhodium-plated 18K gold numerals that are luminous, giving the watch real low-light utility without sacrificing its clean, dressy appearance. Hamilton equipped it with a 17-jewel movement, and the original retail price was $62.50 in 1950, which placed it firmly in the mid-range of Hamilton's postwar lineup.
Surviving examples tend to show the dial holding up well, though the luminous material on the numerals and hands should always be evaluated carefully. Lume on watches from this era can shrink, flake, or discolor over time, so look closely at the condition of each numeral before assuming the dial is clean. The swept lugs give the Vardon a softer, more elegant presence on the wrist than many of its CLD siblings, which makes a clean example genuinely satisfying to find.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Vardon as featuring 17 jewels in a stainless steel case, with luminous 18K gold numerals and hands on a silver dial. It was offered with a leather strap at $57.75, with the base price listed at $62.50 in 1950.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1950
1951
1952
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine each numeral closely under good light. The luminous material on rhodium-plated 18K gold numerals can flake or sink over time, and missing or heavily degraded lume changes the character of the dial significantly. Look for any hairline cracks, discoloration, or refinishing evidence around the edges. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches, chips at the edge, or crazing. A heavily scratched crystal dulls an otherwise clean dial and should be factored into the price if replacement is needed. |
| Movement | On a movement this age, oil dries and thickens until it creates enough friction to stop the watch entirely. Confirm the watch runs and tracks time reasonably well before purchase. If it stops after a few minutes of running, assume a full service is needed. |
| Case | The swept lugs are a signature detail on the Vardon, so check their tips for thinning from polishing or wear. Also confirm the case back engages and seals properly. CLD case backs can be stubborn to open, and improper prying attempts sometimes leave marks on the case edge. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds and sets smoothly without slipping or grinding. On a sealed CLD case, the crown gasket plays a role in keeping the case closed, and a worn or missing gasket is worth noting even though vintage watches should not be exposed to water regardless of their original rating. |
The Movement
The Vardon runs on a 17-jewel Hamilton movement, consistent with the CLD line's positioning as a reliable everyday dress watch. Seventeen jewels was a well-established standard for Hamilton's quality tier at the time, providing adequate friction reduction at the key wear points throughout the gear train and escapement. A properly serviced example keeps good time and runs consistently.