The Clark was made for three years, 1936 through 1938. The Yorktowne was introduced in 1940 and was made for two years until impacted by the start of WWII.
The main difference between the two is the Clark has a 14K gold filled case, while the Yorktowne has a 10K gold filled case. Also, they used different styled hands but sometimes the hands are changed so the cases are the best judge. Other than that, you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart.
The Clark also came with an inlaid black enamel dial - while the Yorktowne came with an AGN dial only. You rarely see the Clark with an enamel dial though.
Both models share the 14/0 17 Jewel 980 movement. Both are also prone to wear through on the front of the lugs, back of the lug tips and along the sides of the reverse. The Yorktowne probably holds up better though - as 10K is harder than 14K.
Here's a couple of close ups from my collection. First the Clark
and a wrist shot.
And here's a beautiful shot of an enamel dialed Clark, courtesy of Tom Diss.
And here's a wrist shot of a Yorktowne
Hi there! I have a 17 jewel 980 movement hamilton watch. Serial is g553823. Looks like the yorktowne but Yorktown looks a bit more elongated. What does a typical restoration cost? Do you do this type of work? If so, can you send me your contact info?
ReplyDeleteThat serial number dates to about 1948 so it's a bit late for a Yorktown. My contact info is in the up right - where it says contact me by clicking here.
ReplyDeleteI'm just a hobbyist and generally don't work on other people's watches - as that's pretty stressful and I don't like the idea of goofing up someone else's watch.
But if you email me a picture or two, I'll tell you what you have and give you a couple recommendations on where to send it.
given illustration above my affection for the enamel dial watch is growing.
ReplyDeletehey dan... I recently had a clark restored, but the hands are wrong. Do you have an idea on where I could find a pair of original hands or what the style of hands are called? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Clark uses "Spear" hands and the Yorktowne uses "Lozenge" hands. I may have an extra set. Send me an email and I will look and see.
ReplyDeleteDan, I need a set of hands for a Clark. If you have a set, I will gladly buy it. Please advise. Thanks.
DeleteEmail me
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI think I have an old Yorktowne that was my dad's. Where do I find the serial number and where is the best place to find a man's band. All the bands that fit seem to be women's. Thanks
If it is 10K gold filled and looks like this it's a Yorktowne. If it's 14K gold filled, it's a Clark. Regardless, a 14mm Long or Extra Long strap will fit a man's wrist. Non-tapered is the better choice.
DeleteI have a 980 movement serial#g111776 can you tell me what model of watch this
ReplyDeleteCane out of?
That's a 1938-ish movement but there are a bunch of gold filled models it could have gone with. If it has a dial that would be a definitive clue.
DeleteHandyDan, I've come across a Vintage Hamilton men's wristwatch with a 10K G.F. Casing, back & watch band. It has 17 Jewels w/ a 980 movement. Serial# is S512179. Can you possibly tell me what year this model (?) came from? Thanks
ReplyDeleteWell, Mr. Dandy, U must B quite the busy gentleman. Through diligent (internet) research, I've discovered that the Hamilton Men's wristwatch I possess is actually the 1941 Myron-Coral Gold-10K G.F. rectangular case along W/ the original 10K-G.F. Bracelet of "Kriesler Quality, Top 1/20-12KT G.F, Bottom Duro-Brite."
DeleteIt's certainly in acceptable condition for a 76 Yr old, G.F wristwatch. The plastic "Crystal" was scratched rather deeply in some areas, but that was nothing that good 'ol toothpaste wouldn't buff away after a few takes. I'd love 2 forward (publish pic's of the watch in it's before & after conditions, but am uncertain as 2 how to accomplish same in this forum.
Join www.vintagewatchforums.com and you can post photos for discussion there.
DeleteI have a Hamilton that a local shop said bears serial #H655432. They identified it as a "Model 980". I have tried to track down that serial # online to get a date of manufacture but to no avail. Having read your August 27, 2012, article: "1936 Clark and 1940 Yorktowne" I can tell you the case is marked 10K and the hands are the "lozenge" style. The watch seems to gain a couple of minutes per day. Is this possible or practical to adjust? Rick Heagney
ReplyDeleteHi Rick, the case serial number doesn’t mean much. If the case is 10K gold filled then it’s a Yorktowne. The 980 is capable of excellent time keeping and can do better than 2 minutes per day accuracy. Sounds like you should have it overhauled by a watchmaker.
DeleteThanks for getting back so quickly. I was hoping you would say, "Oh, that sounds like a project I would love to take on for you!" Then I would reply, "In that case I'll also ship you my slow ca. 1927 grade 992 that runs slow."
DeleteDo you know anyone in the Saint Louis area that you can recommend for these tottering old boys? Rick
I try to keep my blog unbiased and non-commercialized. It's focused on vintage Hamiltons but I'll even talk about Elgin's occasionally - so all are welcome. Haha! If you email me or contact me through my Etsy shop I can direct you more specifically. I don't know anyone in St. Louis but you can look at the AWCI.com website to see if anyone registered is in your area.
DeleteRICK, thanks 4 your reply/comment? I cannot, however, remember posting such query...? I do believe we still may B able to help each other in our quest 4 any/all info, i.e., 1940's + vintage Hamilton watches
ReplyDeleteI own a 1941 Myron in pretty decent condition. It came with, what I believe 2 B, the original (optional) "1/20 12k G.F. Kreisler Quality" bracelet.
Hi Steven,
ReplyDeleteI must have hit the wrong "Reply" prompt and sent a message to you that I meant for Dan. It was nice to chat with you, as inadvertent as it may have been!
Sheepishly,
Rick
Hello, I have a Hamilton watch that was gifted to me and I would like to learn more about it. I can’t seem to find a serial number. Can you please help? Is there anywhere I can attach pictures or would I be able to send you the pictures of the watch I have?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Christopher
You can contact me through my Etsy shop and attach photos too... https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamiltonChronicles?ref=shop_sugg
DeleteHi, Sig here, I have a Hamilton Caliber 770, 22 Jewels which I am trying to date. It is marked "Clark" but it is certainly not the same caliber as the models listed above. I am guessing it is about 1955. I am surprised it does not appear along with the earlier version of the Clark. Anyway, can you perhaps tell me the first year and the last year it was produced?
ReplyDeleteKind Regards, Sig Shonholtz
There is also a 1955 Clark
DeleteHi HandyDan,
ReplyDeleteMatthew here, in Cincinnati, OH. I recently discovered your amazing website after I received a number of vintage tank watches from my grandfather, whom recently passed, that I'm attempting to clean up. I believe one of them is a 1937 Hamilton Clark like yours here. It looks exactly the same, case, dial, 980, very similar hands, and 14k G.F. Wadsworth case #H123575.
It however does not have a crystal. I ordered one off ebay that claimed to be for a Clark/Yorktowne case with part number MT2605, however it seems to be a hair wide and does not fit in the case (I dare not try to force it). I'm hoping you might know what the part number I would need to get to order a replacement? Or would there be another case that looks exactly the same, but takes a slightly narrower crystal? You seem to be one of the few resources left for these beautiful watches since most places I find still direct to the vintagewatcheforums which appears to be down. So I would greatly appreciate any help you might be able to provide?
And thank you so much for your site, it is an amazing resource for these beautiful Hamiltons.
All the best,
Matthew
You probably just need to shape it with 600 grit sandpaper. Read this post... http://www.hamiltonchronicles.com/2012/07/how-to-install-watch-crystal.html
DeleteThank you! I had wondered if that might be an option. Glad to hear it's that simple, so I'll give that a go. Thank you again and for such a fast reply too.
Delete