| Author | Message | ||
     Jonathan New member Username: Rogue Post Number: 3 Registered: 08-2006 Rating: N/A |
I have a Hamilton that was my grnadfather's. It has an inscription on the back dated 1948. It is a gold color, but the K isn't stamped anywhere. It has a stretchy metal band. Pic: http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7353/2largedz7.jpg | ||
| gatorcpa Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
That's Hamilton Piping Rock, which is one of the most collectible of American-made watches. I'm not sure if yours is the original 1928 version, or the later remake from the 1940's. A check of the movement and serial number would answer that question. I think yours is 14K gold. The hallmark should be on the inside of the case. Unfortunately, the upper lug seems to be missing and this will be hard to replace. Hope this helps, gatorcpa | ||
| Jonathan New member Username: Rogue Post Number: 4 Registered: 08-2006 Rating: N/A |
The upper lug isn't missing, it just seems to be blending in with the black background in the picture. I don't know if I should remove the back, is there a rubber seal there like I have seen on other watches? Here are some other pics: http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4425/1newlargegl9.jpg http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/6076/2newlargezz2.jpg | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2084 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Go to: www.watch-prices.com the free sample shows Hamilton prices, though some are a little old, it should give you a good idea. | ||
| Jonathan New member Username: Rogue Post Number: 6 Registered: 08-2006 Rating: N/A |
I had no idea it was worth this much. A couple questions though, Why do none of the ones in the pictures have the same band as mine? There is a rather long engraving on the back, with names and dates, does that decrease the value a lot? Why do none the watches look exactly like mine, such as the design around the second hand and the actual hour and minute hands? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2088 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
- Band is not important. - Engraving probably hurts value slightly. - I'm not sure. | ||
| Jonathan New member Username: Rogue Post Number: 8 Registered: 08-2006 Rating: N/A |
Ok, thank you for your time and answers. | ||
| gatorcpa Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
I think some of the watches (possibly yours, as well) have had the dials refinished. Here is a webpage with info on the 1928 original: http://www.vintagewatch.info/Detail%20-%20Piping%20Rock%20-%20Yellow.htm This web site talks about some of the differences in the dial. Based on the above, it looks like yours may be the 1940's version. It would be worth a trip to a watchmaker have him (or her) record the information from the movement and inside case of your watch, to be sure. I don't think there is a huge difference in value between the two, but Zaf is the professional here. Hope this helps, gatorcpa | ||
| Vintagehamiltons New member Username: Vintagehamiltons Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2007 Rating: N/A |
The average Ebay selling price for a 1948 14K yellow Piping Rock is $1325. |