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Production
Date: 1934
Price When New: $75.00
Case: Yellow 14K Gold
Case Manufacturer: Schwab &
Wuischpard
Production for this Variation:
138
Movement:
979 19-jewel premium movement
___________________________
Comments:
The Oxford is Hamilton's second rarest production model with a
total of only 138 produced in 14K yellow gold and 122 produced in
14K white gold.
Until recently, it was commonly thought that the
Oxford and the Oakley where the same watch - the Oxford being the white
variation and the Oakley being the yellow variation of the same
model. However, recently found Hamilton records contradict
this theory.
Early Hamilton memos initially described the Oxford
as being available in 14K white gold only. However, archived
production records report the Oxford being produced in both white and yellow
14K gold and indeed, examples of each variation exist in private
collections. The same archives report that the Oakley was
available in yellow 14K gold only. Additionally, the Oxford case was made
from modified Cambridge
cases utilizing a different bezel
configuration. Cambridge cases were made by S&W and subsequently, so
were Oxford cases. Hamilton records clearly state that the Oakley
case was made by Wadsworth and indeed, it was the only 979 premium
model to utilize a Wadsworth case.
After careful analysis of existing
records, it can now be determined that the Oakley was likely its own
model separate and distinct from the Oxford.
The Oxford, with its interesting
history (and being born of the highly collectable Cambridge),
typically does not find itself amongst Hamilton collector's top
picks. This may be in part due to the confusion that
previously surrounded its production. Either way, this under
appreciated Hamilton is certainly one of the more interesting models
Hamilton produced and as one of the great Hamilton rarities, it can
be found (if it can be found at all) for less than many of the more
"desirable" but significantly more common Hamiltons.
