1956 Hamilton Transcontinental A Automatic 667 32.5mm

Here we have a rare 1956 Hamilton Transcontinental A Automatic 667, released by Hamilton in 1956. It was produced for two years, at a time when you could fly coast to coast in a day rather than several days by train. It showcases an innovative way for a business traveller to set a specific time zone in the USA or the UK, using GMT. Featuring a round ‘flying saucer’ shaped 32.5mm 10k yellow gold-filled case that sits comfortably on your wrist with fancy rounded lugs. Its curved flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 38mm and a case thickness of 12mm. On the right, a coin-edged crown sits slightly recessed in the case. A wide, smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a dynamic dial. The outer ring features the applied gold-toned dagger and Arabic numeral indices marking the hours. An inner rotating disc shows the four USA time zones: ‘E’ marks Eastern Zone, ‘C’ marks Central Zone, ‘M’ marks Mountain Zone, ‘P’ marks Pacific Zone and ‘G’ marks Greenwich Mean Time Zone, each with pips and an arrow indicating the hour. A gold-toned Dauphine minute hand and gold-toned flat hour hand connected to the rotating disc are complemented by a tapered sweeping second hand. At noon, we have the Hamilton motif, and at 6 o’clock, ‘Automatic’ completes this Transcontinental traveller's timepiece.  On the reverse, a screw-down stainless steel case back, inside an automatic Hamilton Cal. 667, 17 jewels movement. It comes paired with a well-suited 17mm leather strap and pin buckle.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Hamilton box or paperwork. It comes paired with a well-suited 17mm leather strap and pin buckle. The watch is from Circa. 1956 and is being sold in a worn condition, but it is still in fair vintage condition, with a lovely original case, dial, and even patina across the indexes and hands, as shown in the provided photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

This is the charming and rare Hamilton Transcontinental A automatic 667, released by Hamilton in 1956. It was produced for two years, at a time when you could fly coast to coast in a day rather than several days by train. It showcases an innovative way for a business traveller to set a specific time zone in the USA or the UK, using GMT and the hands/pointers on the inner rotating disc, which is coupled to your hours. If you are a collector who enjoys something a little more unique, this is one for you to snap up today!

Reference : Transcontinental A
Movement : Automatic Hamilton Cal. 667
Age : Circa. 1956
Year : 1956
Case Size : 32.5mm
Case Thickness : 12mm
Lug to Lug : 38mm
Lugs : 17mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : 10K Gold Filled
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 1892, Hamilton was established in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, initially focusing on the production of pocket watches. From its inception, the brand championed the creation of accurate and affordable timepieces, making them accessible to a broader audience. During the formative years of American railroads, a significant challenge arose: the absence of a standardised timing system led to frequent accidents on the tracks. To address this critical issue, Hamilton pocket watches were engineered with exceptional precision, earning them the distinguished title of "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy." In a pivotal moment for the company, Hamilton became an official supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces in 1914, coinciding with the onset of World War I. This partnership prompted a transition from pocket watches to the more practical wristwatch, which was better suited for military use. In 1926, a significant event unfolded in the annals of aviation history when Admiral Richard E. Byrd achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first aviator to reach the North Pole. This momentous journey marked a pivotal milestone in both exploration and aviation, as Byrd's daring expedition pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of flight and navigation. The cold, vast expanse of the Arctic served as both a daunting challenge and a breathtaking backdrop for this groundbreaking achievement, underscoring the courage and determination that characterised Byrd's spirit of adventure.. He relied on a Hamilton watch to meticulously time his groundbreaking flight, which lasted 15 hours and 57 minutes, and included a remarkable 13-minute circumnavigation of the pole itself. As the United States entered World War II, Hamilton pivoted its focus entirely away from consumer watch production to fulfil the urgent needs of the U.S. Armed Forces. Over the course of the war, the company produced more than one million timepieces, including both wristwatches and marine chronometers designed for naval operations. Their commitment to quality earned them the Army-Navy E award, which recognised excellence in manufacturing. Post-war, Hamilton sustained a robust relationship with the military. In 1966, the introduction of the Khaki Field watch marked a significant development; this model incorporated hacking seconds—a feature essential for military precision. During the Vietnam War, the Khaki Field watch became a common sight on soldiers' wrists. Between 1965 and 1976, the British military deployed around 40,000 Hamilton watches, further solidifying the brand's reputation for military reliability. On May 16, 1974, Hamilton was acquired by SSIH, which later became known as the Swatch Group. Although they maintained operations in the U.S. for nearly three decades after the sale, 2003 marked a significant shift when production moved to Biel, Switzerland. This transition enabled Hamilton to affix Swiss-made dials to their watches, enhancing their prestige in the luxury watch market. In popular culture, the Hamilton Ventura gained prominence starting in 1997 when it became a central element in the 'Men in Black' film. One of Hamilton's most noteworthy Hollywood collaborations occurred in 2014, with Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed sci-fi epic ‘Interstellar.’ For this film, Hamilton designed and produced a special watch known as ‘The Murph,’ which played a critical role in the narrative, further cementing the brand's status as a synonymous partner to groundbreaking cinema.