[Vintagehamiltons]

Hamilton Sutton
catalogued 1937-1940
14K yellow gold filled case with applied gold numeral dial (most common) for $52.50 or two-tone black enamel numeral dial (very scarce) for $50.00
17-jewel 980 movement
25mm case width
42mm over the lug tips
14mm strap width

The black enamel numeral dial is very rarely seen, maybe only once a year and the ratio is probably 1 out of 50-75 compared with the applied gold number dial.

from the 1937 catalog

from the 1938 catalog

from the 1939 catalog

from the 1940 catalog

 

[two21b]

I like the lugs on this one. They are similar to the driving watches, but without the hinges. By 1937, did Hamilton stop producing driving watches? If so, was cost a factor?

 

[Vintagehamiltons]

I like the lugs on this one. They are similar to the driving watches, but without the hinges. By 1937, did Hamilton stop producing driving watches? If so, was cost a factor?

Hamilton only produced one model intended for side of the wrist wear - the Contour. It was catalogued in 1938 & 1939. It was the same price ($52.50) as many other Hamilton models at that time. With its swivelling lugs, it could also be worn in the normal position as well. For some reason it was not a successful seller.

 

[vintageguy]

Sutton

gorgeous. btw, I have a Longines drivers watch similar to this Sutton. why was this style called a drivers watch?

 

[Widows Son]

gorgeous. btw, I have a Longines drivers watch similar to this Sutton. why was this style called a drivers watch?

Because the watch was designed to be worn on the side of the wrist instead of on top. While driving, you wouldn't have to turn your wrist over to see the watch.

 

[Vintagehamiltons]

gorgeous. btw, I have a Longines drivers watch similar to this Sutton. why was this style called a drivers watch?

The Sutton model is not a driver's style. It is too long to fit the side of the wrist well.

 

[Rusty]

Here are some other looks.

 

[HamiltonIllinois]

Tom,

I love the enamel dial on your Sutton. Is the dial original or very well re-done? I think your 2nd photo shows very well how nice a 2-tone butler's center can be -- I especially like how the second track also has the 2-tone center. (I imagine this little detail means this is an original dial?) As you know, I normally prefer a bit older Hamilton's, but if I see an enamel Sutton available, I will likely give it a run. I also like the large tubed-lug of the Sutton, I don't think this design element worked as well on the other tubed-lug Hammys.

 

[Vintagehamiltons]

Tom,

I love the enamel dial on your Sutton. Is the dial original or very well re-done? I think your 2nd photo shows very well how nice a 2-tone butler's center can be -- I especially like how the second track also has the 2-tone center. (I imagine this little detail means this is an original dial?) As you know, I normally prefer a bit older Hamilton's, but if I see an enamel Sutton available, I will likely give it a run. I also like the large tubed-lug of the Sutton, I don't think this design element worked as well on the other tubed-lug Hammys.

The dial wasn't wrist worthy, so I had International Dial restore it to original condition. I'm a sucker for the two-tone enamel and normal black enamel numeral dial options. My two-tone Carlisle is coming up in the rotation soon and will be the subject of the vintage model of the day series. You'll like it as well. Stay tuned. :wink:

 

[Endicott]

My Sutton arrived some days ago. Makes a good addition to my Clark (the one with Yorktowne hands ). I am still trying to get a Dodson to have three watches "curved to fit the wrist".