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.

Friday, March 29, 2013

1956 Paxton B

The Hamilton Paxton is an interesting anomaly among Hamilton models.  It has a "B" model that precedes the regular, non-B model.  Generally the B model follows the regular model and represents a change in the movement used.  Many times the catalogs don't even state the change... the B just shows up inside the case.  You can't tell the difference between a regular model and a B model from the outside.

For example the Boulton uses the 19 jewel 982 movement and the Boulton B uses the 19 jewel 753 movement that replaced the 982 in 1952.  There were lots of B-variants in the 1950's.

In 1956 Hamilton introduced the Paxton "B".


Then the Paxton was introduced in 1957.  It was also produced in 1958.


I recently received a Paxton B project watch.  As received, it was quite dirty and a little scratched up.  However, it was running so I knew it would make a nice project watch.


Under the dial is a Hamilton Illinois 12/0-sized movement.  I'm not that familiar with the Illinois movements from the 1950's so I'm not sure what the model number is for this movement - it says TXD on the balance bridge but that's the import code for Illinois.  Imported Hamilton movements have HYL on the balance bridge.  I suspect Illinois movements didn't get a specific caliber movement.


The dial was dirty, but original with a nice white finish and embossed gold numerals and markers.


The Illinois movement is Swiss-made and it's stamped ETA and 1220 under the balance.  So this is an ETA 1220 - which is what I would need to know if I needed to buy a part for it.


And here it is all cleaned up and timed after a fresh overhaul, the crystal polished, the dial lightly cleaned and a new black alligator-grain strap installed.


3 comments:

  1. Hi Dan,

    The 'TXD' is the import code, a requirement for the US market. Different companies had different codes. Elgin's was YXY, for example. These identified the importer, not the movement manufacturer. Nice piece! Reminds me of a Lord Elgin Wakefield.

    ReplyDelete
  2. How much does a watch like this sell for?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello I have one that’s very similar and I’m having a hard time finding the SN. Where did you located it?

    ReplyDelete