H a m i l t o n C a p t a i n R i c e
c. 1 9 3 2
Very rare Hamilton “Captain Rice” men’s Art Deco design wristwatch in solid 14K yellow gold, circa 1932.
Among the most desirable of the early Hamilton models, the “Captain Rice” was originally introduced as the "Floyd Bennett" in February of 1930 in honor of legendary United States Navy aviator Floyd Bennett, who piloted Lieutenant Commander Richard Byrd's flight to reach the North Pole in 1926. Byrd also had a Hamilton wristwatch named for him (the "Byrd" in 1930), and the two men were awarded with rare peacetime Congressional Medals of Honor for their efforts. Bennett was also promoted to Warrant Mechanic by Act of Congress. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. The heroic Bennett died in 1928 after becoming ill during an attempt to rescue the crew of a downed German airplane in Canada. The Hamilton records do not indicate why the watch was renamed "Captain Rice" or give an indication of who he was, but some collectors have suggested it was named for Captain Cushman Rice, an adventurer and renowned World War I aviator who also championed the establishment of airmail service in the United States. Incidentally, Rice was also perhaps the inspiration for Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
Handmade by the obscure Perrin Watch Case Co., the "Captain Rice" was priced to consumers at $150.00 in 1930, making it one of the most expensive watches Hamilton offered. A mere 432 were produced in yellow gold; miraculously, this is the second example I have offered this year. In the prior 10 years of dealing in Hamilton wristwatches, I had none. This example is in excellent condition showing only very light wear. Caseback is excellent, with a name engraving to James E. Waters. The inside caseback also has a presentation inscription from Anna to Jimmie, 1932 and the watch was no doubt a treasured gift owing to its exorbitant cost during the worst year of the Great Depression. Waters must have loved this watch dearly, as the numerous watchmaker marks in the caseback indicate he was religious about having it maintained. Case measures 38mm long and 27mm wide. Black enamel inlaid dial is excellent. Has new glass crystal. This watch is powered by its original 19 jewel Hamilton grade 979-F adjusted movement.
(SOLD)
