Hamilton Automatic Day-Date 958468 (1960-1969)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This distinguished Hamilton Automatic is a quintessential example of mid-century horology, blending the brand's American heritage with Swiss engineering. Featuring a sharp stainless steel case manufactured by the Star Watch Case Company and a highly legible day-date layout, this timepiece offers a sophisticated everyday aesthetic. Its clean lines and reliable automatic movement make it an excellent choice for collectors seeking a versatile vintage dress watch. Brand: Hamilton Model: Automatic Day-Date Reference Number: 958468 Serial Number: P417185 Movement: Automatic Caliber 641 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a remarkably clean dial and a sharp case, supported by healthy mechanical performance running at approximately -7 to -10 seconds per day. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in excellent preservation, retaining a bright metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. It features applied silver baton indices with black inlays, providing a sharp contrast against the light background. The original baton hands match the indices perfectly. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding practical utility to the design. The dial is signed "T SWISS T" at the bottom, and the original tritium lume plots show a warm, consistent patina. Case and Crystal The 34 mm stainless steel case, produced for Hamilton by the Star Watch Case Company, remains in very good condition. The lugs are defined and straight, preserving the original case geometry. There are light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with careful vintage use, but no major dents or deep impacts. The caseback engravings are sharp, and the inside bears the correct reference numbers. The watch retains its original signed crown featuring the stylized Hamilton "H" logo. Movement Powering the watch is the Hamilton Caliber 641, a 17-jewel automatic movement based on a robust Swiss architecture. The movement appears clean and well-maintained. It is currently running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings indicating a deviation of approximately -7 to -10 seconds per day, suggesting a very healthy and reliable mechanism. Strap The watch is fitted with a vintage-style dark brown leather strap featuring a distinct lizard grain texture. The strap is in good condition and complements the silver tones of the dial and case, enhancing the dressy vintage appeal of the watch. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the highlight, only with small wear considered for its age. The case retains its original lines with only honest signs of wear. Mechanically, the watch is performing admirably for its age. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The classic proportions and lug design allow it to sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, offering a refined profile typical of the 1960s. Remarks A lovely example of Hamilton's transition era, utilizing high-quality Swiss automatic movements housed in American-market cases. The combination of the day and date function with a robust steel case makes this a particularly practical vintage daily wearer. History Hamilton, founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892, is one of the most storied names in watchmaking history. After decades of dominating the American market with railroad-grade accuracy and military timepieces, Hamilton began integrating Swiss manufacturing in the mid-20th century. This specific model hails from that interesting era in the late 1960s, combining the classic American design language established in Lancaster with the technical prowess of Swiss movement makers. / Second Vintage SKU: HAM-HAX-0005