THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: HAMILTON
MODEL: 6BB/523-8290
YEAR: 1975
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 35mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: TEXTILE NATO
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892. Originally focusing on high-quality pocket watches, the brand became known for its affordable and precise wristwatches later on, especially for its ties with the military - supplying the U.S. Army since as early as WWI. 

In the early 70s, Hamilton won a contract with the MOD to supply watches to the British Army and Royal Air Force. The design is nearly identical to the CWC watch superseding it, and understandably so following the MOD specs. The 35mm tonneau-shaped case is extremely robust, and the black dial with white printing is superbly legible. This watch features a rare double signed "Geneve" dial, a result of Hamilton's acquisition by SSIH (now Swatch Group).

Only a few hundred of these were supplied in 1975, and this RAF-issued example was kept in incredible condition. The dial is perfect, with the tritium lume having gained an attractive creamy patina. The fixed-lug case is in equally good condition, a testament to the robustness of these watches. It comes on a Phoenix nato. The watch came to us in great health, running at +8 s/d, 275 amps, with a 0.2 ms beat error. 

As the world of watch collecting is heading more and more towards luxury, these fantastically built military watches still represent incredible value and are truly a joy to wear.