The Lyndon was introduced that year and was manufactured for only two years. These second generation CLD watches were larger than their earlier siblings and the Lyndon is a nice sized watch.
The 10K gold filled case has very interesting stepped lugs that almost look like wings and a bubble back - making it comfortable to wear. Two different dial options were available - either with solid 18K gold numerals with a second track or with numerals and luminous markers and dots (with luminous hands).
The case is often found with wear through on the stepped lugs and on the reverse near the crown. However, good examples are relatively easy to come by. I think the numeral AGN dial is more common than the luminous marker dial shown in the catalog ad above.
I like the Lyndon and enjoy wearing it when it gets it's turn for some wrist time.
UPDATE: January 2016
Here's a luminous version of the Lyndon. It's less common than the AGN version and just as interesting.
I recently inherited my grandfather’s wrist watch. It might date from anytime from the 1920s to 1962. It looks almost exactly like your photo of the 1953 Lyndon CLD. The only difference: underneath the “Hamilton” logo there is no “CLD” mark.
ReplyDeleteThe short answer to identifying it for sure is to take it to a jeweler, have the back removed, and record the model/serial number. I will do so eventually.
Thanks
Kurt Erichsen
If it looks that much like a Lyndon it probably is... but I bet it has a refinished dial and the CLD didn't get put back on.
ReplyDeleteThe model name is sometimes inside the case back and just as frequently not in there. The serial number inside the case back doesn't really correlate to anything. But you should definitely see 10K gold filled along with Hamilton Watch Company Lancaster PA
Bill, Hi I just received my fathers CLD Lyndon (I think) and it needs some face, hands cleaning and a new crystal. Is this something that you do?
Deletewgfair@gmail.com
440-522-0189
Thank you.
I need the crown of this model where I can get it?
ReplyDeleteEmail me (by the contact info above of thru Etsy). It might have one.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like the one I have of my Dad's, except it doesn't have the "stepped lugs". It was given to him as a wedding gift in 1952. Did they make a similar model in '52? It could be a "53, because they were married in December '52 - the news models might have been out by then. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDoes yours have CLD on the dial? If not, there are several similar models that are not CLD's, such as the Rodney. If yours is solid gold, there are even more options.
DeleteYes - it does say cld. It does appear to be gold - i don't know about "solid" - but it does look like real gold. Although it runs great, it looks very old. The face is discolored. But I think that adds to its vintage charm. Thanks for the reply!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteDo you know anyone who can do a dial refinish on my "Lyndon"?
Thanks
I'm sure International Dial Co could do it. The luminous dial could be a challenge because of the pearlized track but they can do it.
ReplyDeleteDan, I just purchased a Lyndon on Ebay that winds, but the female part of the stem is broken. Do you know a good place to get a replacement, or the parts number for the 748 Stem? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDidn't mean to post as "Unknown." My name is Mike. Thanks for your time.
DeleteAll of the CLDs use the same tap 10 stems except the Brandon, it's a larger tap 8 stem. It's part number 615270.
DeleteThese female stems don't snap onand off like the later design. You have to lift the movement out, sort like those old wooden train tracks. If you try to pull the female portion away or snap it on, you will break the stem.
How does this movement come out, through the crystal? Unscrew the crown first? Thanks
ReplyDeletePop the bezel off to reveal the dial, etc. The joint in the two-piece stem will be visible. Orient the stem to see the joint and lift the dial and movement straight up and out.
DeleteI have one of these and in removing the crystal to repair the second hand, the crystal came loose. Now I can't for the life of me figure out how to reattach it. Is there a guide somewhere? Does it pop in below the ring or glue on above it? Help!
ReplyDeleteSorry, name is Phillip. I appreciate any help you can offer. The crystal adhesive came loose and I feel like it came out right off the top of the ring, but when I took it to a very old man at a watch shop he said the crystal fits under the ring. I can't find anywhere online with an illustration. Thanks in advance for any help.
ReplyDeleteThe crystal pops into the bezel, there should be a gasket too but that's normally long gone. A little crystal cement applied to the bezel ledge will secure the crystal if it's loose. The reflector ring sandwiches between the dial the crystal, it should be apparent how it goes together when the crystal is in place.
DeleteThanks! Yes, actually the gasket is still there and in one piece (likely a replacement.) I see how to put the reflector ring in, but the jeweler guy said "You push the crystal up into the ring then press them down into the case." I felt like the crystal lowered into the bezel from above. If I am understanding you correctly you agree with the jeweler? Thank you for taking your time out to respond to me by the way, very generous of you.
DeleteWhat I mean to say is that he said the order is: Reflector ring goes into case, then you push the crystal UP into the bezel, then press crystal and bezel into the case. I felt like the crystal would lower down and rest on the bezel. I think you're saying he is right and I am wrong. IF so that is still very helpful.
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