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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.
This Hamilton timepiece features a Safe Driver dial, issued by companies across the United States to recognize years of accident free driving. The Safe Driver text appears in applied golden indices paired with original gold hands to match. A bold outer minute track with five minute markers improves clarity and legibility. This watch was manufactured in 1942, during the height of World War II, a period when American watchmaking emphasized efficiency, precision, and durability. At its core is the Hamilton 917 grade, a 17 jewel in house movement produced from 1936 to 1954. It represents a blend of military era engineering and refined mid century craftsmanship. This example is a rare 917 variation produced with higher iron content in the movement hardware, which allows traditional hand applied thermal coloring. This process adds visual contrast while also improving corrosion resistance (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden sheen. The hands were intentionally left untouched, preserving their original finish and the honest character of the 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: 250 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: 1942 (WWII era)
Dial Material: Metal (‘Safe Driver’ 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: X89581
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.