The Ashley was produced for three years and discontinued after 1950.
The Ashley came in a 14K gold filled case with rounded lugs that give the Ashley an elegant, dress watch look. It's not unusual to find some wear through on the high points of the lugs, but sometimes a thick crystal has offered it some protection.
The butler finished sterling silver dial came with solid 18K numerals and dots.
Under the hood will be a 14/0 sized, 19 jewel 982 movement.
I think the Ashely is a decent sized watch for the time but it's certainly small enough to easily work as a ladies watch by todays standards. It's similar to other models from the same period, specifically the Eaton and the Lester. I sometimes you have to look closely to make sure I'm identifying them correctly.
Here's a wrist shot of the Ashley that I wore today.
I like the Ashley.its my name too. Is it a common watch to buy these days? And what price do they go for? Thanks ps love reading your posts:) Ashley in the uk
ReplyDeleteThe Ashley is fairly common and easy to spot when it's for sale. I would say in unrestored condition it's readily obtained for under $100. All fixed up and serviced I would say $150 - $180 is a fair price.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that information it helped
DeleteHi All,
ReplyDeleteI just picked up an Ashley that needs a crystal.
Do you feel one could be found or would it have to be custom?
Thanks for the interesting site!
Sure, look on eBay. There are several options and you can also email the sellers and ask them directly.
DeleteHi Dan, I used your website and this page to identify a lovely 1947 Ashley that came across yesterday, and I purchased it, should be getting it next week, thanks for the wonderful and complete info you share with us.. Just pointing out that the Ashley must have been launched in 1947 ? the serial numebr on the caliber is from that year, although the watch may have been launched in 1948 perhaps using a caliber manufactured on the previous year ? ... thanks again.... ciao !
ReplyDeletePossibly... also Hamilton issued new models in the Fall of the previous year, sort of like cars. You could get the 1948 model in the Fall of 1947, but it's still a 1948 model. If it was stuck in inventory, you could get a 1948 model in 1950 too, but it's still a 1948 model. Right?
DeleteWhat an interesting article! I bought a rough looking watch st a thrift store; missing crysal ( glass over face ) and strap. Know nothing about eatches, but thought it was cool because the mark on backing says 14K GOLD FILLED L & K. Once i opened it up i found on the inside of back cover it says:
ReplyDeleteASHLEY HAMILTON WATCH CO
LANCASTER,PA
14K GOLDFILLED
L&K
On the back of the workings HAMILTON USA 19 JEWELS 982 J508890
The thing is,when i wound it IT WORKS.So without the crystsl, minute or second hands and no strap would this likely be worth restoring in your oponion? Find it interesting that the face isn't marked with a name at all. Thanks
I guess it depends on how it looks right now. An overhaul and new glass crystal would probably be $150-$175 depending on if it needs a mainspring too. Add your initial investment and you can decide if it's worth restoring. Otherwise a working movement is always useful for restoring something else.
DeleteGood evening,
ReplyDeleteWhat would you suggest a 14k Ashley would be worth today?
Thank you!
$75 if found in a desk drawer. It's gold filled, not solid gold.
DeleteI was in the market and found one fully serviced with new crystal. What do you think a good price would be?
Delete