Whitney II
1968–1969 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Whitney II
The Whitney II was part of Hamilton's Medallion family, Produced from 1968 through 1969, which makes it a single-catalog-year model in a line that generally saw longer runs. It runs on Hamilton's caliber 770, a 22-jewel manual wind movement, housed in a 10K yellow Gold Filled rectangular case. The dial is silver with applied gold numerals and markers, with numerals at the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 positions and a subseconds register at the 6. Hamilton's own catalog notes the dial markers and numerals were hand-applied in 14K gold, a detail worth keeping in mind when evaluating condition.
Applied gold elements on a silver dial can show their age in specific ways: look for markers with edges coming loose, oxidation around the base of the numerals, or refinishing that has obscured the original finish altogether. The Whitney II was offered both on a bracelet and on a strap, so original bracelet examples do turn up, though strap versions are the more common find. Either way, the combination of the rectangular case with hidden lugs and the hand-applied dial gives this one a quiet formality that holds up well.
From the Catalog
Hamilton offered the Whitney II at $95 on a strap and $105 on a bracelet in 1968, positioning it as a mid-range dress piece in the Medallion line. The catalog highlighted the hand-applied 14K gold dial markers and numerals as a key selling point, which was a meaningful distinction at that price point.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Inspect the applied gold numerals and markers closely. Look for separation at the base of any marker, discoloration around the feet where they meet the dial surface, or signs that the dial has been refinished. A refinished dial will often look too clean, with markers that appear reglued or slightly misaligned. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips. Replacement crystals for rectangular cases can be harder to source with an exact fit, so a poor-fitting or domed aftermarket crystal is a sign the original was lost at some point. |
| Movement | Oil in a caliber 770 of this age has almost certainly dried out, and dried lubricant creates enough friction to stop the movement or cause erratic timekeeping. If the watch is running, that is not a guarantee the movement is healthy. A service is the only way to know what you have. |
| Case | The 10K yellow gold-filled case should show consistent warm color across all surfaces. Heavy polishing can round off the case edges and wear through the gold layer at high-contact areas like the lugs. Check the caseback for pry marks, which are common and worth noting. |
| Crown | The crown should turn smoothly without slipping or grinding. A worn or replaced crown on a watch this age is common, but confirm it fits the case proportionally and threads or seats correctly. |
The Movement
The caliber 770 is a 22-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a number of its dress watch lines during this period. It is a reliable and well-constructed movement, with the higher jewel count helping to reduce friction at the key wear points. Winding should feel smooth and even, and a properly serviced 770 is a capable daily runner.