1930 Coronado

Some of the most popular Hamilton models are also some of the oldest.  Hamilton's first wrist watches for men came out in late 1918 but you only had one choice for a few years.  By 1927 several models were available but there were only six to choose from, unless you add the various case materials and dials as options.

After that, every year brought more and more options.  In 1930 the Coronado joined the lineup.  It bears a strong family resemblance to the Piping Rock, which came out a couple of years earlier.  Both models feature a three-piece solid gold case with flexible lugs.  However, the Coronado has a barrel shaped bezel.  Both models feature very plain dials with the hour numbers integrated into the enamel of the bezel.

Between the Piping Rock and the Coronado, it's hard to say which one I prefer more.  Probably the Coronado, as there aren't that many of them out there. 2,343 14K white gold Coronados were made compared to 1,524 14K yellow models.  Hamilton records indicate that three 14K green gold examples were made... thus making the green gold Coronado one of the rarest models out there.

The Coronado featured the top of the line movement that was produced at the time... the 19 jewel 979 movement, later versions would get the 979F when it came out.  So you will find Coronado's with either movement - they are identical other than the jewel settings in the 979F are held in place by friction instead of screws.

The one liability that the Coronado and Piping Rock share are the flexible lugs.  They're not overly fragile but after 90 years they can become a bit floppy.  A talented gold smith can repair them so.  Check out this post to see an example.

My project watch arrived in average condition. The lugs are very flexible but not broken.  The bezel shows a bit of wear - this is probably the one thing to look at when you're in the market for a Coronado - assuming you even find one.

The one feature of this watch that I don't care for is the crown.  It's an obvious replacement and looks as out of place as a rubber nose and fake mustache.  I should be able to find a better alternative.

As you can see, the lugs flex more than they did originally.  A tight case will have the lugs point downward, to curve with the wrist.

The serial number of the movement dates to 1929.  That's not an issue as the model year for watches is like cars and starts in the second half of the prior year.  So the 1930 models came out at the end of 1929.  This is a first year Coronado.

Without a case, you can really tell how simple the dial is. It's engraved so it can be refinished perfectly time and time again, as long as the engraving isn't worn off.

The mainspring is set so I'll replace it with a fresh white alloy spring.

The numbers scratched into the back of the dial are evidence that this dial has been refinished at least once previously.

The movement is disassembled and thoroughly cleaned.  One interesting feature of the 979 movement is the center wheel is solid gold... did I mention it was the top of the line movement?

The reassembled movement is ticking away with a good motion.

Its running a little fast but I should be able to slow it down.

There we go... the mainspring has given this watch a lot of energy, almost too much as the amplitude is very high.  It should be okay though.

A new crown is a huge improvement to this watch.  It now looks and runs great.  I'm sure it would be the pride of any collection.