Photo Credit: clint16
Hamilton Brock Solid 14k Gold Gents Vintage 1940’s Wristwatch
Buy It Now Price: $595 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a very nice vintage men’s Hamilton Brock wristwatch from the 1940s. The Brock series was one of Hamilton’s longest lasting and most popular models, produced from 1939 to 1952.
-The rectangular solid 14 karat yellow gold case measures 38 mm (1.50 inches) tall (lug to lug) by 20 mm (0.79 inches) wide, excluding the crown.
-The sleek, rectangular case and white enamel dial with 18 karat gold Arabic numerals are the epitome of World War II era retro style.
-This vintage Hamilton wristwatch uses the iconic 19 jewel 982M movement. The “M” stood for “medallion” and represented Hamilton’s finest movement at the time. The company only used the 982M in wristwatches with solid gold or platinum cases. This particular movement (serial number: M130204) was most likely produced in 1949.
-The high end Brock wristwatch retailed for $80 at its introduction, equivalent to $1,383 in 2016 – a staggeringly high price for a watch in an economy still reeling from the Great Depression.
-The dial, crystal and movement all appear to be in excellent condition. The seller claims the watch still runs and keeps time well. The offer price of $595 seems fair for a beautiful vintage Hamilton wristwatch in such nice condition.
Cons:
-Wristwatches from the 1940s were generally smaller than today. That means this particular watch – even though it is a men’s model – might seem more like a contemporary women’s wristwatch in terms of scale.
-It is wise to have any vintage wristwatch acquired from eBay professionally serviced, provided the seller hasn’t already performed this service. This will usually add $100 to $200 to the purchase price of a watch.
-The seller claims the watch dial is original, but it may have been refinished. However, a refinished dial does not negatively impact the value of vintage American wristwatches like it does with vintage European wristwatches.
-The Hamilton Brock wristwatch, while a desirable model, is not particularly rare today due to its long production run.
