Hamilton Buick Motor Division Service Award Watch

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were without question the golden age of American watchmaking. The implementation of mass production and interchangeable parts assured American supremacy. Brands such as Gruen, Elgin, and Hamilton vied against the Swiss to dominate the watch industry. The latter, in particular, was at the top of its game. Specifically, the development of railroad chronometers gave Hamilton a reputation for accuracy and dependability in an age where these qualities were vital in a watch. But the brand's production did not rest on railroad chronometers alone: Between the 1920s and the 1960s the Lancaster, PA-based company released a dizzying array of designs. This particular piece is an awesome piece of history. It not only captures the 1960s watch industry, but also a stamped watch dial with the Buick logo exhibited. Flipping the piece over, we get the rest of the story: this watch was presented in 1966 following the end of an employee's 22 year tenure with the company. This type of provenance and story adds to the appeal of any timepiece. The watch itself is fashioned from 10K gold, has developed a lovely lemony patina with age and is powered by the manufacture's Thin-o-matic movement! Don't sleep on this time capsule of a dress watch from the greatest of American watch manufacturers!