A Superb Example of the RAF 6bb Military Hamilton Geneve Watch with a Brushed Steel Cushion Case and Well Preserved Dial, Issued 1974
By the 1970s the British military was back under some financial pressure, not least due to the ailing UK economy of the day. Smith's watch production was nearing the end of its days, and a new company, Hamilton began producing the W10 that was to succeed the Smiths version and was issued from 1973 to 1976. This watch was manual winding with a Hamilton calibre 649 movement, which was a rebadged ETA 2750 movement, with hack seconds, and in a suitably 1970s tonneau-shaped case. The case was also of a monocoque design and construction, which increased water resistance, and the movement could only be accessed by removing the glass!
The ‘T’ marking on the dial refers to tritium, the original 1970s material used to make dials luminescent, a mark that guarantees originality.
These variously marked military Hamiltons were produced between 1973 and 1976. For this to have survived so long in this condition is extremely rare; this is a true gem. The watch succeeded the earlier Smiths production piece and preceded the CWC production pieces.
What's on Offer
We are very pleased to offer this watch for sale in such superb condition. The dial is rich black with bold Arabic numerals - synonymous with most British military watches. The hour plots still boast their original lume as do the original hands - it has aged to a beautiful colour over the years. The dial is completed by the military pheon, an arrow that denotes the watch as the property of the MoD.
The brushed steel case is in fantastic shape with barely any signs of previous wear. It is very much wearable and fully functional. The original military engravings remain present on the caseback and also include the military pheon.