Hamilton Spectra Electric

The invention of a miniaturized battery launched Hamilton into new frontiers.

It started in 1946, when George Luckey, the research manager of Hamilton’s R&D department, wondered if Hamilton could produce a watch powered by a battery. Eveready had built miniaturized batteries during the War, and Luckey felt that the time was ripe for Hamilton to capitalize on that invention. Over the next four years, his idea ripened and took fruit in the hands of various researchers, who produced model clocks with electric movements, until it reached the desk of Dr. John Van Horn.

A native of Butte, Montana, Van Horn had joined Hamilton in 1949 after a stint in the U.S. Navy Signal Corps. In 1952, Van Horn learned that Elgin, Hamilton’s fiercest rival, was also planning to develop an electric watch of its own. Galvanized by this discovery, the development of Hamilton’s electric watch continued apace.

Various prototypes would be produced over the next few years, until the research team—led by Dr. Van Horn—hit on the one that would be a success: Model 500.

The brilliant mechanical battery watch was revolutionary for the watch industry and pushed the limits of what was considered possible on the movement development side.

This piece features a classic 50s space age cushion case with a futuristic dial with dot indices. The dial features concentric circling revolving around the 6 o'clock index. The crown is placed at the 4 o'clock position, which further emphasizes the ahead-of-its-time aesthetic of this unique watch. 

This is a historically significant piece with a unique presence and fantastic story. Get it while you can! These don't come up often!

Hamilton is an inseparable strand of the tapestry of American horological history.
The brand is perhaps best known to modern collectors for their historically significant tool watches: robust field watches issued to the U.S. military from the Vietnam War to the 1980s, bulky precision chronographs, or divers in EPSA SuperCompressor cases.

But during the Golden Age of American watchmaking, Hamilton was master of all trades, from railroad timers to dress watches fit for kings. Their catalogs from the 1930s and 1940s were filled with elegant and innovative pieces that have all but faded to obscurity. A casual glance at these Art Deco masterpieces gives the picture of a company whose mass-production methods belied its heightened sense of style and design.

During WWII, Hamilton completely converted its production to accommodate Department of Defense contracts, supplying marine chronometers, wristwatches and more to the American armed forces. So prolific and important was this output that the firm was awarded the Army-Navy “E” Award for excellence in manufacturing in 1943. Its place in the annals of exploration and flight is no less storied or important, having provided timepieces to numerous expeditions over the years.

Today, Hamilton is part of the Swatch Group, a large Swiss conglomerate of brands such as Tissot, Certina and Omega. Though the firm is no longer American-owned, it continues to produce modern versions of some of its most classic and enduring designs.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.