Winslow
1935–1937 · 14k YGF · Manual Wind
About the Winslow
The Winslow was produced from 1935 through 1937, a three-year run during which Hamilton offered it exclusively in 14K yellow Gold Filled. It runs on either the caliber 987E or 987F, both 17-jewel manual wind movements that Hamilton used throughout its dress watch lineup in this era. The round case, white dial, and applied gold numerals and markers gave the Winslow a clean, modern character that fit squarely with what Hamilton was doing in mid-1930s dress watch design. It belongs to no formal family, but its proportions and movement choice are consistent with Hamilton's higher-end Gold Filled offerings from that period.
Applied gold numerals and markers on a white dial can show their age in specific ways: look for any separation or displacement of individual numerals, and check whether the dial surface shows crazing, hairline cracks, or yellowing at the edges. Finding a Winslow with a clean, undamaged dial is the real challenge, since the combination of age and the delicate nature of applied dial furniture makes pristine examples genuinely uncommon.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Winslow in 1935 as a striking departure from the ordinary, offered exclusively in natural yellow gold with a modern applied gold marker dial and leather cord, all for $45.00.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1935
What to Look For
| Dial | Inspect each applied gold numeral and marker individually. Any that are separating, tilted, or missing will affect both appearance and value. Check the white dial surface closely for crazing, staining, or edge discoloration, which are common at this age. |
| Crystal | The crystal should be clear and free of deep scratches or chips. A period-correct flat glass or domed acrylic is typical. Replacement crystals are available, but confirm the fit is correct and seated properly. |
| Movement | Oil in a caliber 987E or 987F of this age has almost certainly dried out, and that dried friction alone can cause erratic timekeeping or a complete stop. A service is not optional on a watch approaching 90 years old. Ask whether it has been recently serviced and by whom. |
| Case | The 14K yellow gold filled case should show even plating with no worn-through areas, particularly on the lugs and case back edges where contact wear is heaviest. Deep wear exposing the base metal affects both appearance and long-term durability. |
| Crown | Confirm the crown winds the movement smoothly and sets the hands without slipping. A worn or replaced crown on a 1930s Hamilton is not unusual, but make sure the replacement is proportionate and not obviously mismatched. |
The Movement
The caliber 987E and 987F are 17-jewel manual wind movements that Hamilton produced in large numbers for its dress watch lines in the 1930s. Both are compact, reliable movements well suited to round cases of this size. The 987F is a later refinement of the 987E with minor production changes, but both run and service in essentially the same way.