Hamilton
1970s Hamilton Royal Navy Pilots Chronograph "Valjoux Cal. 7733"
Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1882 and initially specialized in producing pocket watches. The brand boasts a long and impressive history of breakthroughs in design and technology, and while probably best known for their military associations and fantastic field watches, they've put out some really remarkable outliers as well.
During the 1970s Hamilton, CWC, Precista, and Newmark were contracted by the British Ministry of Defense and Royal Navy to provide them with pilot's chronographs under the ordinance DEF-STAN 66-4 which specified all chronographs be outfitted with start, stop, and reset pushers. The Valjoux Cal. 7733 chronograph movement was selected for these applications for its reliability and accessibility of parts.
SPECS
| Stock # | HAMCHRONMIL | |
| Brand | Hamilton | |
| Style | Military Pilots Chronograph | |
| Model | 0552/924-3306 | |
| Serial | N/A | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 39 | |
| Strap | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The handsome asymmetrical case exhibits no notable signs of previous polishing, retaining a crisp brushed finish throughout. The watch does appear to be demilitarized, however, as the fixed spring bars have been removed to accommodate removable straps, which is very common for military watches after service. The case retains its original pump pushers and unsigned crown. The case back retains all of its military markings in deep and legible condition. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original matte black dial features the "circle T" tritium designation and the British military arrow, per the MOD specification, and is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no damage or notable elements of age. The tritium lume plots feature a subtle pale green coloration with some spots of darker patina as well, under UV light inspection the dial exhibits no degradation. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show some minor cracking and lume loss when inspected under UV light and remain stable.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch has been serviced recently and is keeping time and functioning perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty of accurate timekeeping.
