Circa 1931-1933.
Hamilton introduced the Floyd Bennett in February 1930 listing the model named after "One of America's outstanding air pioneers" in it's records. It was renamed the "Captain Rice" shortly after it's introduction. This model was housed in a hand made case made by the Perrin Watch Case Co. It is estimated that 352 pieces were made in white gold and the consumer price was $150.00. This was an extraordinary amount during the Great Depression. Most of the production was in 14k white gold (352 units), but they made 276 in 14k Yellow Gold, 1 in 18k yellow gold, and 1 in platinum. Hamilton was introducing the grade 979 movement in 1931, so 573 of them were the grade 979 movement. However, there were 55 produced in 14k white gold with the grade 987 movement, and only 2 produced with in 14k yellow gold and the grade 987. This is one of the 55 units produced in white gold with the grade 987 movement. This highly sought after model comes in a 14K yellow hand made case featuring an applied gold numeral dial. The watch sets and winds smoothly and the case measures approximately 28mm wide x 38mm in overall length. Powering the watch is a Hamilton grade 987 manual hand winding movement with 17 jewels that runs strong and kept good time over a 24 hour period. Included are brand new alligator calf straps in brown.
Hamilton introduced the Floyd Bennett in February 1930 listing the model named after "One of America's outstanding air pioneers" in it's records. It was renamed the "Captain Rice" shortly after it's introduction. This model was housed in a hand made case made by the Perrin Watch Case Co. It is estimated that 352 pieces were made in white gold and the consumer price was $150.00. This was an extraordinary amount during the Great Depression. Most of the production was in 14k white gold (352 units), but they made 276 in 14k Yellow Gold, 1 in 18k yellow gold, and 1 in platinum. Hamilton was introducing the grade 979 movement in 1931, so 573 of them were the grade 979 movement. However, there were 55 produced in 14k white gold with the grade 987 movement, and only 2 produced with in 14k yellow gold and the grade 987. This is one of the 55 units produced in white gold with the grade 987 movement. This highly sought after model comes in a 14K yellow hand made case featuring an applied gold numeral dial. The watch sets and winds smoothly and the case measures approximately 28mm wide x 38mm in overall length. Powering the watch is a Hamilton grade 987 manual hand winding movement with 17 jewels that runs strong and kept good time over a 24 hour period. Included are brand new alligator calf straps in brown.