Whitford B
1963–1964 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Whitford B
Made from 1963 through 1964, the Whitford B was part of Hamilton's Medallion Series, a line positioned as the pinnacle of conventional dress watches for men. The case came in either 14K white or yellow gold, both in a clean circular shape, and the silver dial carries applied gold stick markers with no numerals. Powering it is the caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a number of its finer dress pieces during this period.
Applied gold stick markers on a silver dial are prone to separation or developing patina unevenly over six decades, so the condition of those markers is one of the first things worth examining on any example. The Whitford B appeared in only one catalog year, which makes finding one in solid, unpolished condition with its original gold case a satisfying find rather than a common one.
From the Catalog
Hamilton positioned the Medallion Series as the supreme achievement in conventional watchmaking for men, emphasizing superior craftsmanship inside and out. The Whitford B retailed for $150 in 1963, which placed it firmly in the upper tier of Hamilton's dress watch lineup.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the applied gold stick markers. After sixty-plus years, separated or skewed markers are common, and replacements are nearly impossible to source correctly. The silver dial surface should be free of moisture damage, which tends to show up as spotting or uneven discoloration near the edges. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal fits properly and sits flush. A domed or replacement crystal that does not seat correctly can affect how the hands clear the dial surface. |
| Movement | Oil in a caliber 770 of this age has almost certainly dried out. Dried lubricant creates enough friction to stop the movement entirely or cause it to run erratically, so assume a service is needed regardless of whether it is currently running. |
| Case | Whether the case is white or yellow gold, check for signs of polishing. Repeated polishing softens the lugs and can remove the crispness of the original case profile. Straight lugs show this wear quickly. Also check for dents or dings, as gold cases are soft and do not recover easily. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown is original and that it engages cleanly through all positions. A crown that slips or feels loose may indicate wear to the stem or the keyless works, which adds complexity to any service. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton built to a high standard of quality and used in several of its better dress watches. It is a reliable, well-finished movement that winds and sets smoothly when properly serviced. The higher jewel count reflects both functional placement and Hamilton's intent to position Medallion Series watches as something above the ordinary.