Whitney (1932)
1932–1934 · 14k Gold Filled (White or Yellow) · Manual Wind
About the Whitney (1932)
The Whitney appeared in Hamilton's lineup in 1932 and ran through 1934, an early entry in the company's art deco rectangular era. It came in a 14K gold-filled case, either white or natural yellow, and was never offered in solid gold. The stepped case design gives it a distinctive profile, and it was sold on a strap. Hamilton offered it with a luminous dial or an applied gold numeral dial, the latter marketed as the Raised Gold Figure (RGF) dial. It is powered by Hamilton's 17-jewel, 6/0 size manual wind caliber 987 and its variant, the 987F.
The Whitney is not an easy one to find in strong condition. The stepped case that gives it character also exposes its high points, and wear-through on the bezel and case is the known weakness of this model. Since the case is gold filled throughout, any wear that reaches the base metal is permanent. When evaluating one, look at the bezel steps and corners first, then check that the dial is correct for the model. Refinished or replacement dials turn up, and a mismatched gap between the minute track and the bezel opening is a telltale sign.
From the Catalog
Hamilton introduced the Whitney in 1932 as a popular new strap watch in 14K filled gold, white or natural yellow, at a consumer price of $55.00. By 1933 the luminous dial version was listed at $47.50 and the raised gold figure dial at $50.00.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1932
What to Look For
| Dial | Confirm the dial is correct for the model. Luminous and applied gold numeral (RGF) dials are the originals. Check that the gap between the minute track and the bezel opening is even, since an uneven gap points to a refinished or replacement dial. On luminous dials, expect age-related patina. |
| Crystal | The rectangular crystal sits within a stepped bezel, so check for chips along the edges and make sure the fit is snug. A poorly fitted replacement is a sign the original was lost at some point. |
| Movement | Ask when it was last serviced. A 987 or 987F that is stopped may only need the seconds hand lifted away from the dial before it runs, but dried oil is the more common culprit. Bright, clean jewel settings are a good sign. |
| Case | This is the Whitney's weak point. The stepped design wears through at the bezel and case edges, exposing the base metal beneath the 14K gold filled layer. Inspect every step and corner closely. The case is gold filled, not solid gold, so any exposed brass is wear, not a feature. |
| Crown | Check that the crown matches the case, turns smoothly, and engages both winding and setting positions cleanly. A loose or mismatched crown often means a replaced crown or a worn stem. |
The Movement
The Whitney runs on Hamilton's 6/0 size, 17-jewel manual wind caliber 987, or on the 987F. The two are the same movement apart from the jewel settings: the 987 holds its jewels in place with screws, while the 987F uses friction-fit settings. All other parts are shared. Both are sturdy, serviceable pre-war Lancaster movements, and a clean one shows bright, shiny jewel settings (chatons), a good quick indicator of a movement that has been serviced. Like any watch of this age, it needs a fresh service if it hasn't had one recently.