Why We Love It

The 1930s were the golden years of American watchmaking, and Hamilton was a bright star in the horological firmament.

Ties to Swiss brands like Rolex and Aegler resulted in the creation of some of the finest watches ever made in the United States. This watch, a Sekron Doctor’s Watch, is one of the most elegant—and, at the time it was minted, accurate.

This particular timepiece is, without question, an Art Deco masterpiece. The yellow gold-filled rectangular stepped case paired, with the blue steeled handset, make it a truly eye-catching piece.

Stately and subdued with a handsomely-aged cream dial, this Hamilton has all the makings of a distinctive dress watch for both men and women alike.

The Story

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries brands such as Gruen, Elgin, and Hamilton vied against the Swiss to dominate the watch industry—and Hamilton, in particular, was at the top of its game.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and on into World War II, Hamilton released a dizzying array of designs, including the popular Doctor’s Watch, so known for its subsidiary seconds register, making it easier to time a patient's pulse.

The brand started to deviate from the typical round cases that predominated in the early years of wristwatch production. These watches were often referred to as “Geographic” thanks to their revolutionary case shapes. Hamilton experimented with a variety of shapes, from the square or rectangular “tank” shapes popularized by Cartier, to bold asymmetrical designs.

These watches are prime examples of the iconic pieces from the Art Deco era and remain some of the most simplistically elegant pieces ever made.