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Thanks for visiting my vintage Hamilton watch blog. I like to restore US-made Hamilton wrist watches back to their original glory and share my experiences with other enthusiasts. Use the "Search" space below if you know what model you're looking for. Feel free to leave polite comments or questions in the spaces provided. Also check out my "watches for sale" on my Etsy site - the link is on the right, just below.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

1938 Brooke

Asymmetric watches are a very popular genre within Hamilton collecting.  There are lots of very cool looking watches in this class and most of them are from the 1950's.  However, the first asymmetric watch was introduced in 1928 with the Spur.  Another early example is the 1938 Brooke - it was produced for only two years.


The Brooke was introduced along with several other "curved to fit the wrist" models like the Linwood and the Contour (among others).

The Brooke comes in a 14K gold filled case with either a two-tone sterling silver dial with applied gold numerals or a inlaid black enamel dial.  Behind the dial you'll find Hamilton's 14/0 size, 17 jewel 980 movement.

What makes the Brooke especially interesting is the odd shape of the case.  It's wider at the bottom but deeper at the top.  It reminds me of when I was a kid and I saw the album cover for Queen's 45 record called "Fat Bottomed Girls"…  you make the rocking world go 'round...


Anyway, the Brooke is an uncommon model and will always command a premium when it's in good shape.  I recently landed an example for myself and I think I got lucky because the only thing "wrong" with it is some scratches on the dial.  Getting the dial redone would take care of that.

Here's some photos to show you how unique this watch's shape really is.  It's designed to lay flat on your wrist but with the dial angled so that it is easier to read.




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6 comments:

  1. Steve M.January 14, 2016 at 6:05 PM

    Hi Dan, Did Hamilton every produce a Brooke watch with a square second hand window?
    I put a bid in on Ebay, (thought it was a very cool looking watch). Once i did a little research, I realized that flaw! thanks, Steve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HandyDanJanuary 15, 2016 at 5:39 PM

      I can't say I've ever seen one with a square second hand register. The dial was either incorrectly refinished, the wrong dial, or it wasn't a Brooke.

      Delete
    2. Steve M.January 21, 2016 at 12:18 PM

      Thanks Dan!!! You know how weird it was hoping someone out-bid me?? lol.

      Delete
    3. Steve M.January 22, 2016 at 12:06 PM

      fyi,I went back and looked at the pics of the watch.
      Definitely a "brooke" body (?), shape and angles were all there, but, with the square second register, so, you are correct, somewhere along the line it was incorrectly refinished. Thank you VERY much for your help!!!!!

      Delete
  2. Michael RectorMarch 2, 2019 at 11:51 AM

    I stumbled across a Hamilton Brook which doesn't work, and came without a strap. Any idea where I can get it repaired (and possibly a new strap) and how much it might run me for a repair? I think the problem is the winder. I don't want it refurbished or polished, I love how it looks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. StevenJuly 19, 2019 at 3:39 PM

    Hi, I have a Brook that ticks as intended with a metal strap. It has not been out of it's bag since 1960. Any thoughts on pricing? I can send pictures if anyone is interested.

    ReplyDelete

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