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1932 Catalog Description
Byrd
An amazingly accurate watch in
handmade case of 14K white or natural yellow gold. Consumer price $150.00
Production Info |
Comments
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Production
Date: 1930 - 1934
Price When New: $150.00
Case: 14K Yellow Gold
Case Manufacturer: Handmade
case by Perrin Watch Co. and according to early Hamilton records,
latter made by L&W (Lutringer & Wittmer)
Production for this Variation:
285
Movement:
401 19-jewel
Movement
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Comments:
The Byrd was included in Hamilton's famous Explorer Series along
with the Ericsson, Wilkinson and Andrews models. Each was cased in solid
14K gold but only the Byrd, Ericsson and Wilkinson utilized handmade
cases. Also included in the Explorer Series was the Livingstone
and Stanley models, however, the Livingstone and Stanley models were
produced in gold-filled only.
The Explorer Series utilized the
Hamilton 401 movement which, aside from the 983, 985 and 981 0-sized movements, is the
rarest of Hamilton's movements utilized in men's wristwatch
production. With only 7,500 401 movements
manufactured, it is highly sought after by Hamilton collectors and
can be found in many of Hamilton's most collectable models.
Selling at $150.00, the Byrd was an
extraordinarily expensive watch during the Great Depression -
subsequently few were sold. Its rarity, the fact that the Byrd
utilizes a handmade case, is solid 14K gold and uses the rare
19-jewel 401 movement makes the Byrd one of the great Hamilton
collectables.
The 401 movement is a 19-jewel
version of the Illinois Watch Company's 15 jewel 207 movement which
Hamilton upgraded after purchasing the Illinois Watch Company in
1928. The Illinois 207 movement was the first rectangular men's
wristwatch movement ever made.
