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1933 Catalog Description
Oakmont
Smart sports model, 14K
white or
natural yellow gold. Consumer price $90.00. Raised gold figure dial
(as shown) no extra charge.
Production Info |
Comments
_____________________________
Production
Date: 1931 - 1934
Price When New: $90.00
Case: 14K Yellow Gold
Case Manufacturer: Solidarity
Production for this Variation: 431
Movement:
979 19-jewel Movement and the
987 17-jewel
movement
___________________________
Comments:
The Oakmont was introduced on December 3rd 1931 with a raised gold
numeral dial ( dial no. 047) for $90.00. By March 1st 1932, the
Oakmont was reduced to $85.00 and by May 1st 1934, the Oakmont was
offered to consumers at $80.00 in solid white 14K gold only.
The Oakmont's lack of popularity may
be due in part to its design being so similar to that of the
Meadowbrook which was introduced three years prior to the Oakmont.
The Oakmont also shares case styling characteristics with the
Pinehurst which was also made by the Solidarity Case Company.
In fact, early Hamilton records indicated that the Oakmont "case was
made up by changing the bezels on the Pinehurst model." We now
know that this is not the case - although sharing similar center
case designs, each model is distinctly different from the other.
One of Hamilton's earliest marketing
campaigns included promotions that emphasized the utilization of
Hamilton wrist watches as awards for sporting activities such
as golf and tennis. The naming of Hamilton models after some
of the country's most prominent country clubs was a part of this
successful campaign. The Oakmont, like the Meadowbrook,
Piping Rock,
Glendale and
Pinehurst were all examples of this marketing campaign and all were
named after exclusive country clubs.
Although not popularly received by
consumers, the Oakmont is a classic Hamilton wristwatch and its
rarity makes it a highly desirable model amongst Hamilton
collectors.
