| Author | Message | ||
     Paul Wilhelm Rating: N/A |
I have a Hamilton wrist watch in excellent condition that was given to me by my father. I havn't been able to find it on the web. My father purchased it sometime in the early-mid '40's in Denver, Colorado. It is 10K gold filled with "Biggs" engraved on the back. Is this the model name? It also has a unique, hexagon shaped face and has applied numerals and markers, similar to other Hamiltons of the era, and sweep seconds in the lower part of face. I'm curious as to the date and value of the watch. It isn't the original band, but I'd like to know what the original band looked like and if this devalues the watch significantly. Thanks and any help would be appreciated! | ||
| Don @ finertimes.com (209.86.0.63 - 209.86.0.63) Rating: N/A |
Hello Paul, Briggs is the name of the company which manufactured the case. I cannot identify it from your description. If you could post a picture of the watch, I can provide model name and a bit of information (dates, etc.). Few original bands survive with these vintage watches and the lack of one does not effect its value significantly. We occasionally have Hamilton signed buckles for sale which you could add to a new band for authenticity. Best, Don | ||
| Paul Wilhelm Rating: N/A |
I've uploaded a graphic of the watch I referred to in my previous e-mail Don. Any info about the date and value of the watch would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Don!  | ||
| don Rating: N/A |
You have what looks to a be a very fine example of the Hamilton "Valiant" model first introduced in 1959. Hamilton introduced many asymmetric models in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Most collectors are aware of the Hamilton electric models with unique case shapes, but many of these mechanical asymmetrics are rarer and more desirable than the electrics. I've seen the "Valiant" sell for anywhere from $200-$350 depending on condition. Hope this helps. Thanks for the great image! Don | ||
| Paul wilhelm Rating: N/A |
Thanks again for the great info Don. A couple more questions: I had this watch repaired over the holidays - it needed a new main spring. After I had the repairs done, a friend told me he had heard that watch repair shops were replacing old parts with new, without the owners concent, because the older parts are more valuable. Is there any truth to this rumor that you know of, and is it realistic for newer parts to fit in older watches easily? | ||
| Don Baker Rating: N/A |
I've never heard this before, and I'm not sure how it would benefit the watchmaker. The material that is floating around is old - no one is making parts for Hamilton mechanical watches anymore. So putting in an unused part to replace a used one would make no sense. Don |