Cleaned - Oiled - NEW BATTERY - New Crystal - Original Dial
14K Solid GOLD - Case in Excellent Condition
Running about 4 minutes fast per day

HAMILTON 505 Electric

"The world's most advanced electric watches"

The Hamilton Electric looked toward a different source, which resulted in a mechanical movement being powered by “an energy cell no larger than a shirt button,” as Hamilton once described it. Although the Hamilton Electric is powered by a battery, the operation is largely mechanical, using no transistors or other electronic components. It marks the first step toward the modern battery powered quartz revolution.

Hamilton's first electric watch started in Lancaster, Pennsylvania around 1946, the Hamilton project was known as "Project X". However, it wasn’t until 1957 that the world’s first electric watch appeared, the Hamilton Electric 500. On January 3rd, 1957 at the Savoy Plaza Hotel in New York City, where Hamilton held an elaborate press conference to launch the watch, it was available in a variety of non-traditional asymmetrical case styles, all with the caliber 500 (or 500A).

"The electrical contact system in a 500 was so delicate that watchmakers failed to embrace the new technology; in addition, in an effort to be first. As a result, the first few years were a sales disaster that Hamilton never really recovered from — many 500s were returned to the factory for adjustment." Then, it was when the caliber 505 appeared in 1961 and addressed many of the issues with the 500 in a much easier movement to work on.

Hamilton Electric Van Horn

This is a very unique timepiece, a Hamilton Electric Van Horn watch, one of the first models launched in 1957 and it was named for Hamilton’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. John Van Horn. However, this watch is dated from 1961 when the caliber 505 replaced the caliber 500. It is a mechanical movement caliber 505 powered by an energy cell, central second, U.S.A. made. After 55 years, it still has a stunning silver dial with gold hour marks, minute marks and hands, the dial is signed "Hamilton" as well. Super STUNNING fancy round stepped case and fancy lugs design, all in 14K yellow solid gold. It is coming with a vintage brown alligator leather strap and it is coming in the original display box.

This watch is in lovely condition, it is a very attractive looking watch and it is running! This is a real TREASURE to complement a wonderful vintage electric watch collection.

Movement:
Hamilton
Caliber 505
Patented
ADJ. U.S.A.

Case Back Signed:
Hamilton W. Co.
Lancaster, PA.
14K GOLD
S044770

Measures:
Case Diameter 34.5mm
Case Lug to Lug 42.7mm
Case Thickness 12.3mm
Lug Width 17mm
Band Width 16mm

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than todays offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.

Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-1670