1973 Hamilton W10 Military Issued Wrist Watch
Ref: 523-8290 W10-6645-99

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original box or original paperwork. The watch comes paired with an aftermarket NATO strap which matches the lume colour nicely. The watch is in worn/vintage condition as you would expect for a watch of this age and style, the crystal is a new crystal with no marks. The case has not been refinished by us and looks very nice, the movement has also been fully serviced. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof warranty.

The Watch

Hamilton was selected to make watches for the British military from 1965 to 1976, this watch was made for the British Army in 1973, as confirmed by the W10 code, NATO stock number, and the issue number on the back of the watch, along with the broad arrow British military mark. It's 36mm stainless steel, satin-brushed so as not to shine in the light, and the lug-to-lug length of 41mm provides a comfortable fit on the wrist. On the right side, a crown is large enough to make winding and setting a breeze. The domed crystal sits above a matt black dial, the white minute track runs around the outer edge. Arabic numerals are large for easy viewing under any lighting conditions, lumed batons, and pips sit above the numerals marking the hours. Text is minimal with Hamilton at 12 o’clock “T” in a circle indicating Tritium lume, and finally the broad arrow above the 6 o’clock, and sword hands with lume infill complete with a needle centre seconds hand. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with its military Nato stock number and issue number engraved into it, inside a manually wound Hamilton Cal. 649, 17 jewels with hacking. The watch comes fitted on a 19mm Nato strap which matches the lume colour nicely.

Personal Note

The Brand

In 1892 Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and began producing pocket watches. Their focus has always been to make accurate affordable timepieces. In 1914 they became an official supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces during WWI, and they shifted production from pocket watches to the more convenient wristwatch. Admiral Richard E. Byrd became the first aviator to reach the North Pole in 1926, he circled it for 13 minutes before returning to his base. He timed this pioneering 15-hour and 57-minute flight using a Hamilton watch. As soon as America joined the Allied forces in World War 2 they stopped producing watches for consumers to focus on the enormous task of supplying the U.S. Armed Forces. They produced over one million timepieces including wristwatches and marine chronometers, even earning an Army-Navy E award for excellence in manufacturing. On May 16 1974 Hamilton was sold to SSIH, which is the previous name of what is now the Swatch Group. They remained in the US until 2003 when they transferred their operation to  Biel, Switzerland. From this date forward they were able to put on their Swiss-made dials.