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Hamilton Watch Co. was in operation from 1892-1969 and manufactured some of the highest end, most accurate watches ever produced. Manufacturing of Hamilton watches took place at their facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The star of this piece is its striking Packard-branded dial—an exceptionally preserved original with golden applied numerals that shimmer beautifully as they catch the light. Beneath the 12 o’clock marker is the iconic slogan “Ask the Man Who Owns One,” a proud motto of the Packard Motor Car Company, whose vehicles represented the height of American luxury before the brand’s closure in 1956. Completed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1946, this watch emerged during a pivotal moment in American history. With World War II ending just a year prior, Hamilton—like much of U.S. industry—was transitioning from wartime manufacturing back to civilian production. The 917 grade at its core, a 17-jewel in-house movement produced from 1936 to 1954, reflects that shift, combining military-era precision engineering with elegant postwar craftsmanship. The movement was built with low-iron alloys to reduce magnetism, a technological advancement of the time. Because of this specialized metallurgy, the hardware cannot undergo traditional thermal coloring and remains in its original factory finish. All mechanical elements—the jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights—were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden sheen. The hands, however, were intentionally left untouched. They retain their original golden finish and display a delicate, speckled patina—tiny black flecks formed over decades—that speaks to the watch’s age and authenticity. Rather than detracting from its appearance, this subtle weathering makes the hands completely unique and enhances the character of an already exceptional piece.
The timepiece is housed in our 316L stainless steel wristwatch conversion case, crafted to showcase the movement while providing everyday wearability. Adjustable lugs allow for effortless winding and setting, and ensure a comfortable, balanced fit across a wide range of wrist sizes. The case is fitted with front, back, and crown gaskets for added durability and water resistance up to 50 meters—though we recommend removing the watch before any water exposure. Fully serviced, regulated, and ready for decades of reliable performance, this piece is prepared for wherever your next chapter takes you.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 275 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Hamilton
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Year Manufactured: 1946
Dial Material: Metal (Packard dial)
Jewels: 17 jewels
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 22 mm
Lug to Lug: 47 mm (52 mm with crown)
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: X113163
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.