The Nordon shares a lot of similarities with the Langdon CLD. The 10K gold filled cases are virtually identical except the model name is often stamped inside the two-piece case's back. The main difference between the two models is the Langdon used the 747 movement with a sub second hand.
CLD watches feature a series of gaskets to seal the case from the elements. One goes around the crystal, one the bezel and the third is inside the crown. CLD watches are not "waterproof" but they are more robust to the environment than other watches - assuming the gaskets are still intact.
Unlike the earlier sweep second hand movement, the 987S, the 748 movement does not hack, or stop, when you pull out the stem to set the time.
Two dial options were available, the AGN dial (most common) and the luminous dial with matching hands. The luminous dial and hands always remind me of the "Cheshire Cat" as the hands at the 10:12 position look like cat's eyes. All that's missing is the smile.
On the wrist, the Nordon is a nice watch... small by todays standards but quite typical for a 1940's watch.
I just received two watches (1936 Lawrence and a 1948 Nordon) and your website helped me determine the models and dates of each. You're providing a wonderful resource!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I'm glad I could help. Both are fine watches. Make sure to get them serviced by a watchmaker if you don't know their service history and want to wear them a lot. That'll keep them working for another 60 years!
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for so much information. I am in doubt, thou, I have a 10K gold filled Nordon, not a Langdon, and the movement is 747, not 748. Some Nordons had this movement?
ReplyDeleteThank your, I appreciate your help.
Nordon's and Langdon's share very similar (the same) case but have different dials and movements. Nordons have a sweep second hand and use a 748. Langdons have a sub second hand and use a 747. If you have a 747 movement (and dial) in a case that says Nordon then someone swapped cases at some point.
ReplyDeleteHi. I have a Nordon (AGN Dial) The mainspring is shot. What do I replace it with?
ReplyDeleteThanks!---Ted
I have just acquired a Nordon black dialed watch and wondering how to rejuvenate the luminosity...? this is a great site
ReplyDeleteThe luminous material most likely on the dial contains radium. The radium irradiates the material in the paint to make it glow until eventually it "burns out". The radium is still there but the glowing material is gone. The only way to rejuvenate it would be to replace it with modern photo luminescent paint that is charged by light. To do that, you'd need to send it to a dial refinisher like International Dial.
DeleteHi there -- My grandfather left me his Nordon...the one without the luminescent dial. I took it to a watchmaker (along with 2 other watches) and have only now -- after 19 months -- gotten them all back, completely taken apart and no fixes. (Yes, I went in every month to check on them...). The ONLY part of the Nordon returned to me was the gold back and the band...he lost everything inside...which is strange because he was only supposed to replace the glass as the watch was functioning. Sorry for the long post but, do you know a good watchmaker in the DC / VA region? Also, any idea how much a functioning,good condition Nordon would cost? Mine has this number S706873 stamped on the inside. Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteYikes! That's a terrible experience. I'm not sure how someone like that could even be in business.
DeleteThe Nordon is fairly common and easy to find. Just look on eBay. Condition can vary, of course.
If you email me or contact me via my Etsy store I can refer you to some pros I know. If you want to look on the AWCI.com website you might be able to find other more local professional watchmakers.
Hi Dan. Just picked up another Nordon CLD. AGN
ReplyDelete(I sold the other one) Do you know what size strap it takes? :-)
Thanks.---ted
16mm or 5/8"
DeleteThanks Dan! :-)
ReplyDeleteAnyone know the correct crystal for a Nordon ?
ReplyDeleteI've also seen dials without the 'cld' are these re-dial's or authentic ?
A GS PA 318 crystal will fit nicely. It's plastic and not glass. An original glass crystal is known by the model name and shared with the Langdon. They can be found but it takes some effort.
DeleteSome years had "CLD" on the dial and some not - that's not to say the presence of CLD means it's original. Refinishing Hamilton dials is generally not a big detractor, as long as it's done correctly.
Can you advise if this is the correct one, PA318 Swiss 25.5mm ?
DeleteHere is a Quick Video of the Nordon: https://youtu.be/BdjJH9_-62c
Ed
I may have the Norde Dial, Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=havNBzDJjEY
DeleteThe Norde and Nordon are the same other than case material. The GS PA 318 will fit.
DeleteHandyDan, Thank you for the information, this watch may be small from todays standards, but, it's definitely an eye catcher...
DeleteBest
Ed
Any tips on where I may be able to find a new female part of the two-part stem for a Nordon. (Part 615270 I believe). Nothing on ebay right now.
ReplyDeleteCall a watch parts supply house like Casker, Jules Borel, Ofrei, Barton & Chase, etc
DeleteI just picked up a Nordon but the strap it came with is really bad. Any suggestions of sites that have some nice ones? What size does it take? Great site, thx for all the great info!
ReplyDeleteHello, hopefully you'll still see this, I recently purchased a Nordon and wondered about restoring or replacing the dial. Do you have a resource to find these dials?
ReplyDeleteThe dial can be professionally refinished to look as good as new. You'd need to send just the dial to International Dial Co. Of course, the Nordon is a pretty common model so you could also look on eBay for a nice one to popup and use that dial.
DeleteI just bought a Nordon with the original outer and inner boxes - the box is labeled 748 Nordon (G.F.)
ReplyDelete851111
10k Gold filled
A.G.N & M. Dial
Watch No. CY-115615
Case No. S-432492 Brac.
Date on box February 5, 1930
Hamilton Gold Filled Wrist Watch
Has the original care booklet and looks totally original and rarely worn...was a presentation watch with the guys name on the box and back of watch..
Any information would be helpful.
thanks
Sounds like you have all the info that is needed. The 1930 date is a little unusual though
DeletePicked up a Hamilton Nordon with the original outer and inner boxes - even the watch care book....the watch looks as if it was never worn - no wear, good running..having a local watchmaker check it out tomorrow...incredible to have all the original boxes with the watch info labels all in tact..
ReplyDeleteA lucky find for sure
DeleteJust found a Nordon and cant wait to get!!
ReplyDeleteSo I'm having a lot of trouble identifying the model of my Hamilton. It looks identical to the 1948 Nordon CLD with the AGN dial, same hands and everything, except it does not say CLD under Hamilton. I've been searching for a very long time and can't seem to find an answer. Anyone here have an idea?
ReplyDeleteCLD isn’t always on the dial, like in the catalog image, for example
DeleteAwesome thanks!
Delete