1948 Nordon (& Norde) CLD

Part of the 1st generation of CLD models, the Nordon CLD was introduced in 1948 when the 18 jewel, 8/0 sized 748 movement was introduced.  The same watch but in a 14K solid gold case was introduced the following year and called the Norde.  Both watches were produced until 1952, at which point the 2nd generation of CLD watches were introduced.

The Nordon shares a lot of similarities with the Langdon CLD.  The 10K gold filled cases are virtually identical except the model name is often stamped inside the two-piece case's back.  The main difference between the two models is the Langdon used the 747 movement with a sub second hand.

CLD watches feature a series of gaskets to seal the case from the elements.  One goes around the crystal, one the bezel and the third is inside the crown.  CLD watches are not "waterproof" but they are more robust to the environment than other watches - assuming the gaskets are still intact.

Unlike the earlier sweep second hand movement, the 987S, the 748 movement does not hack, or stop, when you pull out the stem to set the time.

Two dial options were available, the AGN dial (most common) and the luminous dial with matching hands.  The luminous dial and hands always remind me of the "Cheshire Cat" as the hands at the 10:12 position look like cat's eyes.   All that's missing is the smile.

On the wrist, the Nordon is a nice watch... small by todays standards but quite typical for a 1940's watch.

1926 Square and 1927 Square (Cut Corner)

The 1926 catalog was pretty simple from a men's wrist watch standpoint... there were only two choices, the Cushion and the Square.  Strap watches for women had been around a while but men's versions were "new".

 Both watches used the 17 jewel, 6/0 sized 986A movement without a second hand.  Cases were gold filled or solid gold, in green or white gold.  Only luminous dials were available.

Then, in 1927 Hamilton introduced the 6/0 sized, 17 jewel 987 movement with a sub second hand.  The movements have slightly different dimensions so the cases for a 1926 Square is slightly different than a 1927 Square (cut corner) case - and each is intended for it's specific movements (you will sometimes see them get mixed up).

The 1927 Square (Cut Corner) was also available with plain or engraved bezels.

The 1927 catalog also introduced the Barrel to the "geometric" model lineup.  The Tonneau joined the geometric lineup in 1928.  The Square continued to be produced through 1930.

Here's a wrist shot of a 1926 Square...

I believe (and could be mistaken) that some 987's made it into the earlier Square cases and the case backs are marked "987" to denote this difference.  Here's an example of the 1926 Square with an engraved bezel.  This varient is called the "Enamel Inlaid Square" and can be distinguished from the later Square Cut Corner by the shape of the center section of the case as well as the lugs.  The engraving pattern is also unique to the "Enamel Inlaid Square".  This is a relatively uncommon watch is rarely comes up for sale.

And heres a few shots of Engraved and Plain Squares (Cut Corner)... although the bezel is plain on the Plain model, the center of the case is still engraved.  Note the protrusion of the center part of the case, especially near the lugs.

1948 Milton

The 1948 Milton was produced for five years... a long run for a Hamilton model and indicates that it was a popular dress watch.

The Milton is sharp looking watch.  It's 14K yellow gold filled case usually wears well but the edges of the lugs can take the most beating since they're the most prominent features on the front of the case.

Under the dial you'll find the 14/0 sized 19 jewel 982 movement.  The dial is usually butler-finished but I have seen Milton dials in black as well - I don't know if they're original (my guess would be yes).

One of my first project watches a few years ago was a Milton and I was so happy with the results that I think it's what fueled my passion for collecting them.

Here's what I started with, including a bad case of dial rash from not having a crystal for many years...

Here's what I ended with...

Quite a transformation, no?  Looks great on the wrist too, although it could probably stand to have a lower profile crown (winder).