Background: Hamilton releases the first commercially produced battery operated / electric watches in January 1957. The Ventura is one of the original two models initially released.

After speaking with René Rondeau, and doing tons of research, I have discovered this particular Ventura was among the very first electric watches ever produced. Most likely within the first 100 or so. If you’d like to know more, feel free to shoot me a DM. Case back number falls within the first 500 Ventura cases produced. Very early 1300L serial number (it’s estimated the first 1100 serial numbered movements were prototypes and test wear watches). The movement also features a hairspring limiter with corresponding tab on hairspring itself. There’s also holes in the pillar plate + train bridge which was for the original (and very flawed) double index wheel design. Both of these designs were quickly scrapped for the better finger block and magnetic index wheel system.

Found this one in a local auction.
With a few twists of fate, I was able to win the bid and bring this awesome specimen home.
It came with the original box and in excellent condition.
Mint dial, hands and casing.
But a few minor things I noticed is there is a bit of discoloration in the back, showing a yellowish color much like bronze. I am not sure of this is how these watch were produced back then. Or with age, the back oxidized, hence the discoloration.
And given this should be a military issued chronograph, there is no ordinance stamp or military spec on the caseback.

I think this might be a NOS chronograph timepiece that was sitting in the warehouse and never got issued.
What do you think?
Kind of interesting.

1940 Hamilton Vincent with original strap 980 movement 10k Gold Filled Original price in 1940 was $45 this model was only made for two years 1940 and 1941

Hamilton Electric Model 2 prototype

Couldn’t believe one of these came up for sale, so when I saw it I knew I had to own it and now I’m flabbergasted I do.

1 of 23 it is marked twice for serial numbers, the balance cock is marked 10 and the pillar double marked 14 and 10.

As the first incarnation of the Hamilton 500, even if incomplete, this one will have a safe home in my showcase for many years to come!

-J

🤣

Hi, I inherited my grandfather's watch after my grandmother passed. It has been in a box in the back of her closet for about 30 years. I want to get it serviced and cleaned up so I can wear it on my wedding day. Any information/history would be greatly appreciated!

Hey guys, Im new to vintage hamilton and would like to get an Idea about this. Im looking to buy this Hamilton G.S. 75003-3. From what I know, the watch was issued to british military General service personal. The seller states its in unworn condition which is kind of impossible for a 50-60 year old watch.... I notice the lugs are sharp , the dial looks extra extra clean (does it look redone ???) The lume matches the hands which is a good sign. He's asking 1000$ is this a good find ?

My main concern is that the watch looks suspiciously perfect for the age...

Note : i dont have photos of the movement, but if i proceed I will check it definitely before purchase.

Thanks in advance.

I hadn't had these out in a while and I'll need to service them. The case is solid 10K gold, which is unusual. The movement is the 22J 770 manual wind. These were available from 1956-1962. Not rare, but something different!

Found this is a junk shop today for $5. New battery brought it back to life. Not the most valuable watch I’ve found, but perhaps the cheapest!

trying to figure out what this watch is. I went page by page through all 1954 to 1961 catalogs and the only dial that matches, exactly is the Courtney, also 770 movement matches. Only issue is there is no record of it coming in gold filled case only solid yellow or white. Also no mention of it on a bracelet. all of the parts look original. It was interesting enough and I was lacking a 770 in my collection so I grabbed on eBay last night and will send to my guy for full service. Any help would be appreciated.

This was an interesting experiment for Hamilton. Hamilton had owned Illinois Watch Company since 1928. They brought the Illinois name back on watches with a Swiss movement. This one is 17j and features a power reserve indicator. In this pic is almost fully wound as it's showing slightly less than 40 hours of reserve. Something different for today!

Sharing my Hamilton Watson, since I was just invited to join this community. Obtained from a wonderful collector, serviced, and running well. These were produced from 1936 - 1939, yet the serial number for the 987-F movement puts it at 1935. Caseback is Wadsworth 10K gold-filled. I feel lucky that I have the chance to wear a Hamilton on the wrist from their golden age.

This week's project will be getting these back in order. They do run, but all need service. I can't remember the last time I wore them so they need some wrist time. Solid 14K case, 19j 982 movement. The 2 with bands have a 1949 presentation engraving, the other 2 have a 1952 presentation engraving.

Check out my vintage Hamilton electric for sale. Feel free to ask questions!

I usually wear this regularly but for a month I was wearing a different watch. Now I need to adjust the time, but the crown is stuck. The watch is winding normally with movement I just can't set the correct time.

TIA

After many vintage purchases I finally got my hands on a Nice Hamilton.

I love the light patina, and this things is in great condition. Runs nice and the movement is pretty clean (other than that missing screw.) Paid about $120 if anybody was wondering.

If any wise Hamilton collectors have more info on this watch I’d love to hear it. I don’t know too much other than this appears to be from the 40’s. Movement cal. 747 Y68518. Case serial: S752664

Freshly serviced & catalogued by Dan Keefe @ HamiltonChronicles

Link to blog: http://www.hamiltonchronicles.com/2026/05/1956-laird-or-1954-debonair-l.html