Featuring Hamilton's popular 6/0 sized, 17 jewel 987A movement, the Dodson came in both Applied Gold Numeral and Black Enamel dialed varieties.
It's not uncommon to come across a Dodson (or other model from this era) with a gold filled expansion bracelet but in my opinion these watches look best with a nice leather strap.
The Dodson is very similar to the slightly narrower Sutton, from the same period. Both models are prone to wear through on the bezels near the corners of the crystal but good examples of each are relatively easy to find.
And here is a Sutton for comparison, it uses a 14/0 sized 980 movement so it's considerably less wide.
I have a Hamilton "Dodson" 987A men's wristwatch like the one you show. I bought a new crystal. I am a novice watch repairer. I have redone three watches so far but far from being a pro. Is there anything you can tell me about replacing the crystal that I need to know? I have done a few but not this type. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Tim Fitz
ReplyDeleteHey Tim, Check out this blog post... http://www.hamiltonchronicles.com/2012/07/how-to-install-watch-crystal.html
DeleteThanks,That helped a great deal.
DeleteWhere is a good place for quality parts like the crystal?
ReplyDeleteAny of the ebay sellers would be happy to help you.
DeleteWere there any made with a red/burgundy dial?
ReplyDeleteNope. That would definitely we a custom redial.
DeleteHello, I have what I believe is a Hamilton Dodson. It uses the 987A and has a Pend'/Pat'd 5-3-27 like all the others I've seen, except that's it, there is no Design Patented date of 9-18-38. It has only the first date. The case # is H238412. There is also a jewelers mark showing 1936...? Thoughts? Michael
ReplyDeleteHoping someone still looks at this site once in a while... I've come upon a Dodson, applied gold numeral. Considering it was in a bag with a bunch of inexpensive "for repairs," it is in impressive condition.
ReplyDeleteI've been able to get it ticking, but not with any consistency. Simply, the stem is slipping all over. Most of the time, it connects enough to set the hands, but it's a crap shoot on winding it. Sometimes it winds, others the stem just spins. When it does wind, it keeps chugging along, which is obviously thrilling.
I'm looking for someone, preferably in the Midwest, preferably in Michigan, who I could trust to give it a proper servicing. I really think the 987A is in full functioning condition, if only someone got in there to tighten things down, as it were. I can say without a doubt, it is far beyond my abilities, and I'd rather not have a learning session on this piece.
Any recommendations would be most appreciated.
Any competent watchmaker would be able to service the watch for you. If you'd like to send it to me, I'd be happy to do it. Otherwise you'll have to look in your area.
DeleteOh, wow! I saw this site was all about restoration and whatnot, didn't realize you accepted requests! I'm curious if you could give me a rough estimate, starting at "full servicing" and should additional repair fees be necessary, we can discuss later. Also curious where you are located? My preference for location was simply if I could hand-deliver and retrieve, my faith in shipping especially this time of year is not terribly strong.
DeleteYou can contact me via Etsy (hamiltonchronicles.etsy.com), Instagram, or using the "contact me" link above my photo in the desktop version of this site
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ReplyDeleteI bought a Dodson through eBay. I understand they were produced from '38 to '48 but is there any way to determine the exact year my model was made? My Dodson does not appear to have been worn very much and is in absolutely pristine condition.
ReplyDelete