Hamilton RAF chronograph arrived

[workahol]

As I progress ever further into the realm of British military watches, I decided I needed at least one example of a 70's asymmetrical pilot's chronograph. I posted a WTB on another forum and eventually received an email from the owner of a '72 Hamilton, along with a few somewhat murky cellphone snaps. It was hard to tell just what condition it was in, but I decided to roll the dice, and after some back and forth a deal was done. The watch arrived yesterday, and all I can say is wow! It is a really nice example indeed.

The caseback has had the original agency number routed out and "6BB" overstamped, so this watch must have been issued to another branch - most likely the Royal Navy - before it came into the possession of an RAF flight crewman. I like to think that during its service it might have been aloft in, say, both a Sea Harrier and a Tornado, but of course I'll never know for sure. If this watch could talk, what stories would it tell?

Here are a few quick photos I threw together to show it off a little better:

[lewismark]

Lovely watch - congratulations. If it was stamped 0552 (most likely?) that was the fleet air arm. I'd guess a Buccaneer but pure speculation.

[SimonK]

That's nice. Case looks a little over-polished to me. Here's mine.

[workahol]

Lovely watch - congratulations. If it was stamped 0552 (most likely?) that was the fleet air arm. I'd guess a Buccaneer but pure speculation.

Thanks! I said Sea Harrier just because I have always loved that bird, and depending on when the watch was transferred from the fleet to the RAF the timeframe might even make sense. But you are right, it is more likely to have been a Buccaneer or Phantom, not to mention helicopters.

Now that I think about it, since the Phantoms were given over to the RAF in '78 (if I recall correctly) you could convince me that the watch followed the aircraft and was on Phantoms the whole time! If I'm going to make up a story from whole cloth it might as well be an entertaining one, no? :)

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That's nice. Case looks a little over-polished to me. Here's mine.

Lovely! I think you are right, my watch has certainly been polished, although the bright lights I use for photography do tend to exaggerate the effect.

[SimonK]

The issue number on the back should tell you the dates you need - mine's a 6BB and the issue number is 2535/72, thus issued in 1972. And you're 10 years out with your date - the aluminum pursuit ship entered service with the Royal Navy in 1968 and 1969 for the RAF.

[workahol]

Indeed, mine is also a '72, although I don't know when it was transferred from the RN to the RAF. Here is a photo from a prior owner illustrating how the original issuing agency number, which I presume to be the Royal Navy's "0552", has been milled off and ovestamped with the RAF's 6BB code:



I should have said, "the last naval Phantoms went to the RAF '78", since of course both services operated the type contemporaneously starting from the late 60's. The 1978 date I extrapolated from the decommissioning date of HMS Ark Royal (err, the bigger one).

Anyhow, it's all just storytelling!

[longbear]

Lovely watch - I really like these asymmetric cases - give the watches a very tool-like look, and quite different from the other mili-chronos available.

Your interest and knowledge of the planes that was used at the same time, triggers an idea I have had for some time: buy a die cast model and make a combined plane / watch diorama. Have that been done?

[workahol]

[...] an idea I have had for some time: buy a die cast model and make a combined plane / watch diorama. Have that been done?

I have often had the same thought, although have never followed through. But in fact one of the prior owners of this very watch did have quite a collection of memorabilia to go along with it:

http://www.mwrforum.net/forums/showt...Chrono-finally!

Where he got the Harrier control stick I'll never know!

Interestingly, I happened to grab a Norwegian navigation chart more or less at random from my stack of interesting aviation charts to use as a backdrop for these photos, and only learned later that this watch had spent some time in Norway. Funny coincidence...

[Mouse]

What an absolutely beautiful watch. Enjoy :-)

[barreti]

I've kind of consciously avoided military watches, having been in the RAF I always thought it might be a bit weird to have an ex mil watch - though I was in comms so I don't recall ever seeing one in the wild, let alone having one issued to me.

But as a watch, what a lovely looking thing these are. What size is the case?

[workahol]

But as a watch, what a lovely looking thing these are. What size is the case?

Circa 40 mm, with 20 mm lugs. It wears larger than you'd think since the bezel is thin which makes the dial comparatively large. A very nice size indeed.

[Deeez Nuuutz]

That's gorgeous!! I'm very jealous and envious.

[x24m]

wow that is nice, what's the reason for the asymmetric design?

[workahol]

A bit of protection for the crown and pushers, I'd say.

[tbydwrds]

Beauty! Want!

[mruhr]

As I progress ever further into the realm of British military watches, I decided I needed at least one example of a 70's asymmetrical pilot's chronograph. I posted a WTB on another forum and eventually received an email from the owner of a '72 Hamilton, along with a few somewhat murky cellphone snaps. It was hard to tell just what condition it was in, but I decided to roll the dice, and after some back and forth a deal was done. The watch arrived yesterday, and all I can say is wow! It is a really nice example indeed.

The caseback has had the original agency number routed out and "6BB" overstamped, so this watch must have been issued to another branch - most likely the Royal Navy - before it came into the possession of an RAF flight crewman. I like to think that during its service it might have been aloft in, say, both a Sea Harrier and a Tornado, but of course I'll never know for sure. If this watch could talk, what stories would it tell?

Here are a few quick photos I threw together to show it off a little better:

Sharp looking

[dac67]

Lovely watch

[Speedie]

As I progress ever further into the realm of British military watches, I decided I needed at least one example of a 70's asymmetrical pilot's chronograph. I posted a WTB on another forum and eventually received an email from the owner of a '72 Hamilton, along with a few somewhat murky cellphone snaps. It was hard to tell just what condition it was in, but I decided to roll the dice, and after some back and forth a deal was done. The watch arrived yesterday, and all I can say is wow! It is a really nice example indeed.

The caseback has had the original agency number routed out and "6BB" overstamped, so this watch must have been issued to another branch - most likely the Royal Navy - before it came into the possession of an RAF flight crewman. I like to think that during its service it might have been aloft in, say, both a Sea Harrier and a Tornado, but of course I'll never know for sure. If this watch could talk, what stories would it tell?

Here are a few quick photos I threw together to show it off a little better:





Thanks a looker.

[TaketheCannoli]

Lordy that is stunning. My watch journey over the years has taken me to a place where I love these old mil watches - if only I could afford them.

[EugeneT]

Wow wow wow.

[Cyclone]

Wow, lovely looking watch! Congrats

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[K.I.T.T.]

Resurrected old thread... Those are lovely watches though!!

Mike

[Mick]

Stunning watch but I'm really liking the newmark Geronimo.
What's a ball park figure for these sort of watches.
I'm not at all wanting to know how much you paid just an average price range

[mickylall]

The last one sold on here for about 1300

[tunky1996]

really beautiful, love these RAF chrono's... if i was to purchase one what sort of budget would i need ?

[lewismark]

really beautiful, love these RAF chrono's... if i was to purchase one what sort of budget would i need ?

A Newmark has just sold on ebay for £2300 ish, Hamilton's I would say about £1300 possibly more in these crazy days and a CWC slightly less. The Precista is probably in between the Hammy and Newmark price wise.

[turnera1]

A Newmark has just sold on ebay for £2300 ish, Hamilton's I would say about £1300 possibly more in these crazy days and a CWC slightly less. The Precista is probably in between the Hammy and Newmark price wise.

Dam I keep missing Newmark on ebay-- i set up as following but didn't seem to get anything-- unless it went real quick!

[Myron]

A Newmark has just sold on ebay for £2300 ish, Hamilton's I would say about £1300 possibly more in these crazy days and a CWC slightly less. The Precista is probably in between the Hammy and Newmark price wise.

I have searched and searched for this completed listing (the Newmark) without success. Could you please provide a link?

Thanks

Myron

[lewismark]

Here it is
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3019684711...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Wrong crown and aged lume but low issue number

[Myron]

Here it is
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3019684711...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Wrong crown and aged lume but low issue number

Thanks for digging up the listing. Wow, yes, it's too bad about the crown. Otherwise it appears quite solid.

Myron

[turnera1]

Not sure how my following list missed that one ! Must be perhaps it didn't pull in listings in Italy


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[cnjm1]

you get issued some rubbish now.

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And they want it back when you leave.

[mb-radio]

Phil
I think your spot on ! long gone are the days you could pick up a IWC MkII for £50 (last one I bought) !



And a Rolex Milsub at the same price.

[philjopa]

Phil
I think your spot on ! long gone are the days you could pick up a IWC MkII for £50 (last one I bought) !



And a Rolex Milsub at the same price.

Wow.....could do with a Tardis!!!

[lewismark]

Wow.....could do with a Tardis!!!

I'll join you !!