The Watch
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Issued from 1973-1975, The Hamilton "W10" was created with an major change to W10's of old, a kind of monocoque case so that the movement was placed into the watch and fixed in place from the front of the case.
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A huge testament to the Quality of the Hamilton W10 was that it was used ubiquitously by every branch of the British armed forces, such was its popularity.
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The way to tell which branch a vintage watch was commissioned for was to look at the back. W10 denotes the British Army issue, 6BB means that the watch was issued to the Royal Air Force, 0555 Royal Marines and 0552 for the Royal Navy.
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The way to tell which branch a vintage watch was commissioned for was to look at the back. W10 denotes the British Army issue, 6BB means that the watch was issued to the Royal Air Force, 0555 Royal Marines and 0552 for the Royal Navy.
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This, 1st year of production, Royal Navy issue Hamilton "W10" is very seldom seen, although the numbers of production do not seem to be known, with members of the MWR Forum estimating a small batch of around 100/150 pieces delivered in 1973 with only currently 5 known.
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This guy is in very nice condition and is a very rare find. One for the serious Military Collection.
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The Specs
Age: 1973
Reference: "W10" 0552 Royal Navy
Movement: Manual wind with Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 649.
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Service History Unknown, Regulated Aug 2025.
Dial: Original Hamilton Mil Spec Dial.
Dial: Original Hamilton Mil Spec Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35.7mm/37.7mm End to End: 41.2mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Original.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New 18mm Admiralty Grey NATO Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Rare Find.
- Very hard to find these in such good order.
- Wonderful Dial with highly sought after Yellow Lume.
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Nitty Gritty:
- Some minor scratches and wear to the case.
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Overall the Hamilton is in Very Good Vintage condition.
The Dial is in Wonderful condition, probably one of the best I've seen, the lume has stayed that highly desirable Yellow colour.
Steel Case is in very good nick, there are minor age related scratches and wear.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in excellent condition.
Hands are in lovely shape.