Hamilton Piping Rock, c. 1929

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Feast your eyes on one of the most popular designs from the Hamilton watch company, a legendary American-founded brand. Introduced in 1928 and in production until 1932 — and again in 1948 — the Piping Rock was described in the Hamilton catalog as “an ultra-modern strap watch styled by designers of international prominence.” This was an apt description: cutting-edge both upon its debut and remaining so today, it’s one of three models produced by the brand that featured enameled bezels, including the Coronado and the Spur. Originally powered by the Hamilton Calibre 979 hand-wound movement with 19 jewels, it was updated with the 17-jewel Calibre 747 in 1948 and given improved hinges, plus a sub-seconds dial devoid of numerals. Wildly popular, it remains one of the brand’s most distinguished designs, and is highly recognizable even today. This particular Piping Rock dates to circa 1929. Housed in a 29mm white gold case with hinged lugs, an acrylic crystal, and the model family’s distinct enamel bezel — in black, in this instance — with white ‘Roman’ indices, it features a satin silver dial with an outer ‘railroad’ minute track, a radially brushed sub-seconds register above 6 o’clock, and a blued-steel ‘alpha’ handset. Powered by the hand-wound Hamilton Calibre 979F movement, this elegant timepiece from the Roaring Twenties comes fitted to one of our Analog:Shift Saffiano leather straps with a steel pin buckle. Handsome, reserved, and highly unique, it’s perfect for cocktail parties, dinners, or anywhere you’d like to show a bit of “Made in America” pride that oozes style.