A gold filled Hamilton Otis manual wound watch. This is probably one of the most recognizable wristwatches ever made. But, this is not what most come to expect when they see this case. This is not from the iconic Swiss watch maker. THis is from the giant of the US watch making industry from this time; Hamilton.

The many elegant and innovative watch designs of the 1930's and 1940's for which Hamilton were known for have largely faded from the public consciousness. It was during the Art Deco Jazz Age that they wanted to add one more inocinc watch to their line up; the Otis "Reverso" from Hamilton. Seeking to capitalize on Alfred Chauvot's pioneering reversible case design, Hamilton produced the Otis in 1938. This stunning watch featured Chauvot's ingenious case, crafted in either solid gold or, like this version, a fourteen carat gold-filled, complemented by a choice of black or white dials adorned with bold, eye-catching Breguet-style numerals

This an excerpt from Hamilton' catalog at the time about the Otis:

"Exclusively Hamilton, this smartly designed strap watch ingeniously fulfills its double duty in a practical foolproof manner. Slight pressure from the side, a flip of the finger - and the watch locks firmly into reversed position."

However, this is not where the story ends. Needless to say, another watch maker that was making its own version of this iconic case design, Jaeger LeCoultre, sought to enter into a law suit to stop Hamilton from making their own "Reverso". The lengthy legal battle finally concluded after three grueling years in court, with JLC emerging victorious. As a result of the lawsuit's terms, Hamilton was restricted from producing the Otis model unless the movements were supplied by Tavannes, Movado, or JLC. Confronted with this ultimatum - to either use another brand's movements or halt production entirely - Hamilton made the difficult decision to discontinue the Otis from their product lineup in 1940.

The case is fully signed on the inside of the case back for Hamilton PA, and case maker; S&W. Schwab & Wuispard Case Co. (S&W) was a watch case maker in New York City that produced cases for Hamilton, Elgin, Longines, Girard Perregaux, and other brand. The watch is powered by the manually wound caliber 980 which was launched by Hamilton in 1934. The Hamilton 980 watch movement, produced from 1934 to 1951, was designed for small-scale, high-quality manufacturing in collaboration with E. Howard Boston. Approximately 700,000 units were made during this period, a relatively low number for American condition. The movement is clean and keeping good time. But, please remember this is a watch that is now nearly ninety years old.

The dial is believed to be all original, and is in excellent condition, given its age. The black dial is by far and away the most attractive version of the two dial variants produced. The printing is all in gilt chemin de fer along with the subsidiary seconds dial, which pop from the black dial, and the stylish applied numerals are a stunning detail.

Overall, this is a very important and rare chapter of America's watch making history, given its short run and controversial lifespan. Using and wearing these watches, regardless who made them, is something special. Even the most skeptical of watch wearer will enjoy seeing this watch working. In this configuration and condition it is a piece that is rare and noteworthy.