Hamilton Rutledge Platinum

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were without question the golden age of American watchmaking. The implementation of mass production and interchangeable parts assured American supremacy. Brands such as Gruen, Elgin, and Hamilton vied against the Swiss to dominate the watch industry — the latter, in particular, was at the top of its game.

Specifically, the development of railroad chronometers gave Hamilton a reputation for accuracy and dependability in an age where these qualities were vital in a watch.
But the brand's production did not rest on railroad chronometers alone: throughout the 1920s and 1930s and the Second World War, the Lancaster, PA-based brand released a dizzying array of designs. 

In the 1920s, Hamilton began to deviate from the typical round cases that predominated in the early years of wristwatch production. The company experimented with a variety of shapes, from the square or rectangular “tank” shapes popularized by Cartier to bold asymmetrical designs that subtly foreshadow the Victor, one of the world’s first electric wristwatches. 

This particular Hamilton is notable for a quality that's all but invisible to all but the most trained eye: Its platinum case. The Rutledge, produced in limited quantities from 1935 to 1952, was only made in the most noble of metals. Measuring. 22mm x 37mm, it's housed in a rectangular case with a wide, sloping bezel, downward-sloping lugs, and an unsigned crown. Beneath an acrylic crystal sits a handsome, restored sterling silver dial with applied 18K white gold 'Breguet' numerals, matching 'Gothic' hands, a sub-seconds display at 6 o'clock, and an outer 'railroad' minute track.

Powered by the hand-wound Hamilton Calibre 982 movement, this rare model's most compelling asset may be one that it wasn't born with in Lancaster: Flip the case over and one is greeted with a beautiful Art Deco-style engraving from 1940 featuring a dedication from one party to another. Paired to a brown leather strap with white contrast stitching , this is a rare bird imbued with personal meaning from the golden age of American watchmaker.

What more could a collector ask for in a watch?

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.