The Watch
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You will be forgiven for thinking that this is your standard (harsh choice of words, the quality is excellent!) Hamilton "Mark 11" that was issued to the RAF throughout the 60's. They are pretty much identical to the naked eye, however flip the case over to examine the caseback and you will be met with the issue code for the British Army "W10" and even more unusual a code for "H.20".
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Another 2 of these W10 Hamilton examples are known with the markings "H.15" & "H.17", it is a speculation that these were a small trial batch for the Army, after (or before!) the success of the RAF issue. Coincidentally, there was also a small batch of Smiths DeLuxe G.S, that is also more "commonly" seen as a RAF issue Watch, issued to the Army around the same time with 2 examples known with the codes "S.13" & "S.16".
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There is another theory that these Watches could have been used in Special Operations but it is all speculation. A cool thing to note is that the 688 movement has a small "4" scratched on the movement.
These really are a mystery.
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The Specs
Age: c1960s.
Reference: W10
Movement: Manual wind with Centre Seconds. These Watches do not hack.
Calibre: 688.
Timekeeping: Good.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior Feb 2026.
Dial: Tritium Mil Spec Dial.
Dial: Tritium Mil Spec Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel.
Measurements: 36mm. 39mm with Crown.
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Possibly Original Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Possibly Original Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a genuine Military Strap that we have in stock here
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- One of only 3 known.
- Very Nice Condition.
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Bits that stand out:
- One of only 3 known.
- Very Nice Condition.
- A genuine Military Mystery, not many of these around these days.
- Genuine Military Strap.
-Dial has aged beautifully.
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Nitty Gritty:
- Some age related scratches and markings to the Case.
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Overall the mystery is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in very nice condition.
Steel Case is in good condition.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in very good condition.
Hands are in good shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.