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 Hamilton salmon dial—an exceptionally well-preserved original with applied silver numerals that shimmer as they catch the light. The dial features a very subtle vertical brushed finish, with the salmon tone coming through beautifully and adding depth without overwhelming the layout. This watch was manufactured in 1942, during the height of World War II, a period when American watchmaking shifted toward efficiency, precision, and durability. At its core is the Hamilton 917 grade, a 17 jewel in-house movement produced from 1936 to 1954, blending military era engineering with refined postwar craftsmanship. This example is a rare 917 variation in which the movement hardware was produced with a higher iron content, allowing us to apply traditional thermal coloring by hand (read more here). This process adds striking contrast to the movement while also improving corrosion resistance. All mechanical elements—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, retaining their original silver finish and preserving 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 (salmon 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: X95937
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.

