1964 HAMILTON Sea Ruler Watch 17 Jewels Grade 688 Swiss Made

In 1959 and early 1960's, Hamilton acquired a couple of Swiss companies, Huguenin and Buren respectively. Both companies were based in Bern, Switzerland. The purchase was designed to help increase Hamilton's presence in the high-end watch market. Hamilton adopts the stylized 'H' that is Huguenin's logo onto Hamilton dials; with the new 'H' logo is easy to identify watches with the logo as being produced in the 1960's.

Unable to compete with less expensive imported watches, in 1969, Hamilton closes its remaining production lines of USA-made movements at its factory in Lancaster. After existing inventories of USA movements are exhausted, Hamilton moves entirely to imported movements. Early 1970's, as a premonition, Hamilton was acquired by a Swiss company.

HAMILTON Sea Ruler
- Lifetime Mainspring
- Schock - Resistant
- Anti - Magnetic
- 17 Jewels

"Hamilton didn't go down without a fight though and new models were introduced all the way up until the end of US production in 1969."

One of the new models introduced in that era was the Hamilton Sea Ruler wristwatch, produced from 1964 until 1969. It is a manual wind watch with a Hamilton 688 movement, a 17 jeweled Swiss grade made by ETA (caliber 61 / ETA 2391), sweep second.

After +55 years, it still has the original and STUNNING champagne dial with gold applied hour marks and matching hands. The dial is signed with Hamilton name and the 'H' logo as well.

It is a 32mm round case and fancy lugs design, all in 10K yellow rolled gold plate. As the original, this watch is coming with a faceted crystal. Also, it is coming with a vintage brown "Genuine Sharkskin" two pieces strap.

This watch is in LOVELY condition, it is a very attractive looking watch! Runs very well and keeps great time!

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.

Movement:
Hamilton Watch Co.
U.S.A.
Grade 688
Cal. 61 (ETA 2391)
17 Jewels
Swiss Made

Case Back Signed:
Hamilton W. Co.
Lancaster, PA.
10K Rolled Gold Plate
P375761
Star W. C. Co.
920164

Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 32
Case Lug to Lug 37.4
Case Thickness 9
Lug Width 18
Band Width 18

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.

Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-1592