Welcome to Art Deco Wristwatches, offering the finest examples of vintage Art Deco styled wristwatches from famous manufacturers such as Hamilton, Elgin, Illinois, Gruen, Waltham, Bulova, and others.
Hamilton Cross Country
Rare Hamilton “Cross Country” men’s Retro Modern design wristwatch in 10K yellow gold fill and stainless steel with original bracelet, circa 1956.
The “Cross Country” has continental U.S. times zones and Greenwich Mean Time indicated on a black center disk that rotates with the gold hour hand, enabling the wearer to determine time in other areas of the U.S. This is the initial version issued in January 1956 with the Swiss-made Illinois-branded ETA 1190 movement, leftover from Hamilton's re-introduction of the Illinois watch line in the early 1950s. This initial version was available for only 6 months. Once the supply of these re-purposed Illinois movements was exhausted in mid-1956, Hamilton re-tooled the case to accommodate American-made grade 748 Hamilton movement and re-named the watch "Cross Country II." This example is in crisp, near mint condition with no brassing. Steel caseback is superb, with all of its original circular brushed finish. The case measures 41mm long and 33mm wide. Original dial is superb. Acrylic crystal is superb. The watch is powered by its correct 17-jewel Illinois movement, just serviced and running strong. Original Kreisler stretch bracelet is superb. I can set the hour hand to the buyer's time zone prior to shipment.
