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!