Welcome


Greetings!

Thanks for visiting my vintage Hamilton watch blog. I like to restore US-made Hamilton wrist watches back to their original glory and share my experiences with other enthusiasts. Use the "Search" space below if you know what model you're looking for. Feel free to leave polite comments or questions in the spaces provided. Also check out my "watches for sale" on my Etsy site - the link is on the right, just below.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

1937 Merritt

The Hamilton Merritt is a pretty uncommon watch, I think.  Less than 7,500 were produced.  It was introduced in 1937 and produced for three years but you don't tend to see them very often.


According to the catalogs, the Merritt came only in natural yellow gold filled.  However, white gold filled examples are known to exist.  Two dial options were available... an AGN dial as shown in the catalog and also a two-tone black enamel dial.

The hand style on the Merritt is called "lozenge".

Under the dial you will find a 6/0 sized, 17 jewel 987E movement or possibly a 987A, if it's a later example.  Either movement is acceptable.  A 987F or 987 would be too early to be in a Merritt.

One of the interesting bits of trivia about it the Merritt is it takes a surprisingly wide strap at 19mm.  Most watches from this era take a 16mm or maybe an 18mm (actually they would take the fractional inch equivalents... 11/16, etc.

I recently purchased the first Merritt I've ever laid hands on.  I got lucky on an auction with a few bad photos and an even worse description.  In addition, the watch was described as "self winding"... which I guess in this case means you have to wind it yourself since this is obviously not an automatic.


Here's a wrist shot of a the white Merritt, also with the black enamel dial... a striking watch for sure.


Posted by at

4 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 6, 2017 at 9:56 AM

    I am in the process of restoring a 1946 Dennis. The case, hands and dial are in excellent shape with the dial having taken on a yellowed look. All things considered, I do not like to have a dial refinished and would like to know if you have any suggestions for making this "yellow" dial look more "white" as it should. I will post pictures of the dial so you can see the condition. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HandyDanDecember 6, 2017 at 12:45 PM

      I wouldn’t worry too much about getting the dial refinished. International Dial can do a great job and there’s a good chance your present dial has already been refinished at least once. I don’t recommend trying to clean it unless you’re willing to get it refinished, as you stand an excellent chance of making it worse.

      Delete
  2. JanetjedSeptember 29, 2020 at 8:21 AM

    I think I may have a 1937 Merritt. Would you agree? It keeps good time, but the gold fill is quite worn in back and I am afraid to open the case. Can the gold fill be restored?

    ReplyDelete
  3. JanetjedSeptember 29, 2020 at 8:22 AM

    Is there some way I can send you a photo?

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)