Skip to main content

Hamilton

American

In an era when the safety of America’s bustling railroads absolutely depended on accurate timepieces for its conductors, watchmaker Hamilton pioneered cutting-edge, impossibly precise watches in a complex that spanned one square city block of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the late 19th century.

As railroad tracks were laid across the United States and steam locomotives began traversing vast distances, the American railroad system ran into a problem. Back then, time was not standardized across the country. Therefore, in 1883, the railroad companies established the four time zones as we know them today. But, despite setting these zones, train conductors were not always synchronized, leading to deadly accidents on the railroads.

Enter watchmaker Hamilton, founded in 1892. Railway workers would be required to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule, and the watchmaking industry — and early American pocket-watch manufacturers such as Hamilton, Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company — benefitted.

Hamilton’s pocket watches were extremely alluring to train conductors, who began buying them en masse. The East Coast company’s timepieces eventually earned the moniker “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.”

Hamilton transitioned from pocket watches to wristwatches in 1914, as it supplied timepieces to American troops fighting in World War I. Wristwatches, naturally, were more convenient to wear and use in battle. The new style of watch was also appealing to aviators, and Hamilton aeronautical watches became all the rage among pilots, specifically those flying for the new U.S. Airmail service.

The general public’s interest in Hamilton watches grew rapidly in the 1920s. Legendary polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd timed his historic flights over glaciers and chunks of sea ice with a Hamilton pocket watch in the late 1920s, and a Hamilton timepiece used by Byrd during these expeditions went on display in 2018 at the National Watch & Clock Museum.

Hamilton’s Piping Rock watch, an Art Deco–inspired design that featured elegant Roman numerals set in black for the hour markers, made its debut in 1928 and was gifted to the New York Yankees to celebrate their World Series win that year. The model was also featured in the film Shanghai Express alongside the brand’s Flintridge watch, further expanding Hamilton’s popularity. (Hamilton watches can also be seen in the films The Frogmen, Blue Hawaii, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Men in Black.)

In the second half of the 20th century, Hamilton became well known for several innovations: It developed the first-ever battery-operated electric watch, the Ventura, in 1957, as well as the first-ever digital wristwatch, the Hamilton Pulsar Time Computer, in 1970. Three years later, superspy and watch enthusiast James Bond donned a Pulsar in Live and Let Die.

Today, the company is part of the Swatch Group, and its headquarters and production facilities relocated from Pennsylvania to Switzerland in 2003.

Find vintage Hamilton watches for sale on 1stDibs.

to
15
15
108
9,708
6,057
5,795
5,659
15
Designer: Hamilton
HAMILTON Size S Lavender Gingham Cotton Classic Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a lavender gingham cotton featuring a button up style and a spread collar. Made in USA.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 15.5 Measurem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size S Blue & Green Gingham Cotton Spread Collar Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a blue & green gingham cotton featuring a button up style and a spread collar. Made in USA.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 15.5 Meas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size M White Herringbone Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt in a white fabric featuring a herringbone pattern and spread collar.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor signs of wear. Marked: size not marked. Meas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size M Grey White Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve button down shirt comes in white cotton, featuring grey stripes, and a button closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M Measurements: Shoulder: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size M Blue White Checkered Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve button down shirt comes in blue and white checkered cotton, featuring a spread collar and a button closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M Measur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size M Pink White Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve button down shirt comes in white cotton, featuring pink stripes, and a button closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M Measurements: Shoulder: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size L Black White Gingham Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a black & white gingham material featuring a classic style, button down collar, and a button up closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric tag...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size L Navy White Gingham Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a navy & white gingham material featuring a classic style, button down collar, and a button up closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric tag ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size L White Blue Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a blue & white stripe material featuring a classic style, spread collar, and a button up closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric tag remove...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size L Blue & Light Blue Gingham Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a blue & light blue gingham material featuring a classic style, button down collar, and a button up closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size L Blue Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a blue oxford material featuring a classic style, button down collar, and a button up closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric tag removed. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size L White Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a white oxford material featuring a classic style, button down collar, and a button up closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric tag removed....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size L Blue Pinstripe Cotton Button Down Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a blue pinstripe cotton featuring a button down style. Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: No size marked Measurements: Shoulder: 19 inches...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size M Blue Plaid Cotton Patch Pockets Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a blue plaid cotton featuring a button up style, front pockets, and a spread collar. Made in USA.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M Measure...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size S Green & Pink Checkered Cotton Spread Collar Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON Classic long sleeve shirt comes in a green and pink checkered cotton fabric featuring a spread collar, and a button down closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

Related Items
1940s Lilli Ann Silk Jacket with Elaborate Detail
By Lilli Ann
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous beige and grey silk and wool fitted 1940's jacket from Lilli Ann. The double breasted jacket has a winged front collar, long sleeves with fold back cuffs and front self c...
Category

1940s American Hamilton

Roberto Cavalli Bolero Camisole red 100% Cotton
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Bilbao, ES
Roberto Cavalli Bolero Camisole red 100% Cotton Size 46 Roberto Cavalli Ialian fashion designer and inventor Known for exotic prints and for creating the sand-blasted look for jeans....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Hamilton

Tom Ford for Gucci Runway Black Sheer Cut-Out Top Bustier Velvet Details It.38
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Runway Black Sheer Top Bustier Designer size 38 Composition: 78% Cotton, 22% Spandex ( fabric very stretch ). Cut-Out Sexy Details, Black Sheer Beautifully Contras...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Hamilton

TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT F/W 2001 Black Lace-Up Top size M
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Lace-up Black Top Fall/Winter 2001 Collection Ready to Wear Top is detailed with adjustable lace-up in the front, back, sleeves and both armhol...
Category

Early 2000s French Hamilton

Vintage Dolce & Gabbana 1990s Turquoise Blue + Brown Logo 90s Knit Crop Top Polo
By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA, Dolce & Gabbana
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish late 1990s DOLCE AND GABBANA turquoise blue and brown logo knit crop top ! Features a soft cotton knit with a chambray denim pocket patch at left breast with D&G embroidered ...
Category

1990s Italian Hamilton

Jacquemus Navy Blue Linen & Cotton Le Haut Bebi Crop Top S
By Jacquemus
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Crafted with a blend of linen and cotton, the Jacquemus Le Haut Bebi Crop Top exudes effortless charm. Its minimalist design features a flattering crop length, perfect for warm days....
Category

2010s European Hamilton

1950s Openwork Knit Top
Located in Alford, MA
1950s top, the hip-length fitted body in black knit featuring an openwork yoke with cap sleeves and round neckline above. Four crystal buttons with loops at...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hamilton

BALENCIAGA S/S 2006 Black Silver Beaded Cashmere Sleeveless Sweater Top
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Thiensville, WI
BALENCIAGA S/S 2006 Black Silver Embellished Cashmere Sleeveless Sweater Top Brand / Manufacturer: Balenciaga Collection: S/S 2006 Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Style: Sleeveless sw...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Hamilton

Louis Vuitton Cream Wool Blend Knit Boat Neck Top L
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Careful tailoring, quality materials, and elegant cuts make this designer top a piece to cherish! It comes in a classic design to be easy to style.
Category

2010s European Hamilton

Max Mara Black Dog Print Cotton T-Shirt XL
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Whether you want to go out on casual outings with friends or just want to lounge around, this t-shirt is a versatile piece and can be styled in many ways. It has been made using fine...
Category

2010s Italian Hamilton

Hermes Men's T-Shirt Etriers Stirrup Print White Cotton L New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic men's Hermes Etriers (Stirrups) print featured in Bleu Nuit. Iconic equestrian motif with stirrup print in gray and black on a navy background. Short sleeve T wi...
Category

2010s French Hamilton

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1999 "No. 13" Gray Pleated Open Back Chain Strap Top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1999 "No. 13" Gray Pleated Open Back Chain Strap Top Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: S/S 1999 "No. 13" Designer...
Category

1990s Italian Hamilton

Previously Available Items
HAMILTON Size S Green & Pink Checkered Cotton Spread Collar Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON Classic long sleeve shirt comes in a green and pink checkered cotton fabric featuring a spread collar, and a button down closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hamilton

HAMILTON Size M Blue Plaid Cotton Patch Pockets Long Sleeve Shirt
By Hamilton
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAMILTON long sleeve shirt comes in a blue plaid cotton featuring a button up style, front pockets, and a spread collar. Made in USA. Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M Measuremen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hamilton

Hamilton Black Beige Silk Short Bow Evening Shirt 1970s
By Hamilton
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Vintage 70's Hamilton elegant women's shirt. Short model, belt with bow at the waist, 100% silk, beige and black with abstract designs. Double wide neck. Made in Italy. Excellent vin...
Category

1970s Italian Hamilton

Hamilton fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Hamilton fashion available on 1stDibs. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Studio Variously , Equipment, and Maje appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Hamilton fashion from top boutiques around the world. Hamilton fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $96 and tops out at $96, while the average work can sell for $96.
Questions About Hamilton
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Hamilton 992B Railroad Watch was first produced in November, 1940, nine years after design and research began. The 992B featured brand-new technologies and was made with gold, steel and gilt parts and the newly designed Elinvar Extra hairspring. The last Hamilton 992B was sold in 1969. Shop Hamilton 992B Railroad Watches from top sellers worldwide on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    George Romney is the artist who painted Lady Hamilton. He actually produced several Romantic portraits and drew many sketches of her, as he considered her to represent the ideal of feminine beauty. Later in his career, Romney produced a series of paintings inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. Shop a variety of George Romney art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    No, Hamilton is not widely considered a luxury watch brand. The revered Swiss manufacturer’s timepieces are known for their quality workmanship and high-end materials, but its watches typically retail at attainable price points compared to the likes of Cartier or Rolex. Shop a collection of Hamilton watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To open a Hamilton pocket watch, take it to a reputable watch repair shop. Experts advise against opening antique pocket watches on your own because special tools are necessary to avoid damaging the timepieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Hamilton pocket watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Hamilton watches became Swiss in 2003 when the watchmaker moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Biel, Switzerland. While based in the U.S., the company produced watches for the winners of the 1928 World Series and was the official watch for the employees of four commercial airlines. Shop a variety of Hamilton watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Hamilton's Railway Special pocket watch was launched in 1940 and remained in production for the next two decades. At the time, it was marketed as the most accurate railroad watch available. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Hamilton timepieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All