Warwick
1953–1957 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Warwick
Made from 1953 through 1957, the Warwick pairs Hamilton's caliber 748 manual wind movement with a 14K yellow gold angular case. The dial is two-toned, with 18K gold numerals at 12 and applied gold markers throughout, all on a silver dial surface. This is a dress watch from Hamilton's mid-century American-made lineup, the kind of piece that reflected the era's appetite for refined, yellow gold cases with bold, legible dials.
Silver dials from this period can show gentle patina or oxidation around the edges, which some collectors appreciate and others prefer to avoid. The applied gold markers are worth examining closely under good light, as any that have shifted or come loose will affect both the look and the value. Finding a Warwick with its dial and case both clean and unpolished is the goal.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Warwick as a 14K yellow gold case paired with 18K gold numerals and markers on a sterling silver dial, offered with a strap for $135.00 in 1955. Earlier catalog listings placed the price at $150.00, reflecting the typical pricing variation across the model's production run.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1955
1956
1957
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at each applied gold numeral and marker. They can loosen or pull away from the dial over decades, and any that are askew or missing will be difficult to source period-correct replacements for. The silver dial surface is also worth checking for oxidation or amateur cleaning attempts, which can leave streaks or dull the finish unevenly. |
| Crystal | These came with acrylic crystals, which scratch easily. Light surface scratches can be polished out, but deep gouges or crazing mean a replacement is needed. Make sure the crystal is sitting properly in the bezel with no gaps. |
| Movement | The caliber 748 is a capable movement but genuinely challenging to service. Dried oil will create enough friction to stop it, and a watch this age that has not been serviced recently is almost certainly running on dry lubricant. Wind it fully and let it run for several hours. If it stops or runs very slowly, it needs a service before you can evaluate it fairly. |
| Case | 14K yellow gold cases from this era are often polished repeatedly over the decades, which rounds out the crisp lines of the original angular profile. Look at the case edges and lugs under good lighting. Soft, rounded corners indicate heavy polishing. The case back can be tricky to open, so if it looks like it has been forced in the past, check the back edge for tool marks or damage. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently through its positions and check that it moves smoothly into hand-set. A crown that is loose, slips, or feels gritty may indicate a worn stem or a setting mechanism that needs attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 748 is an 18-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It winds and sets cleanly when in good health, but it has a reputation among watchmakers for being genuinely difficult to reassemble correctly. Four wheels must align simultaneously during reassembly, and the escape wheel pivot is fragile enough that even modest pressure in the wrong direction can break it. A 748 that has been properly serviced by someone who knows the movement is a reliable, accurate timepiece.