Hamilton Caliber 686 R225526 (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic and elegant vintage Hamilton dress watch, this 1960s timepiece presents a beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial accented by a striking crosshair sub-seconds display. Housed in classic mid-century proportions, it offers a refined aesthetic supported by a reliable manual wind caliber. Brand: Hamilton Serial Number: R225526 Movement: Manual wind caliber 686, 17 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices and crosshair sub-seconds Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k rolled gold plate bezel, stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +34+38s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The exceptionally well-preserved dial features a silver sunburst finish in very clean condition, showing minimal to no visible spotting or staining. Applied gold-tone faceted indices provide depth and catch the light beautifully, complemented by a precise crosshair sub-seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. The gold-tone dauphine hour and minute hands, along with a simple stick sub-seconds hand, maintain their original appearance while displaying light age-related oxidation and minor spotting visible under magnification. Case and Crystal Measuring 32 mm, the watch features an integrated 10K rolled gold plate bezel paired with a stainless steel caseback. The case exhibits honest wear consistent with age, showing moderate scratches and visible wear on the gold-plated surfaces, particularly concentrated on the lugs. The unsigned ribbed crown displays some wear to the plating, while the stainless steel caseback shows typical light surface scratches. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and remains clear, with no major scratches, cracks, or crazing visible. Movement Inside beats the Hamilton manual wind caliber 686, a 17-jewel Swiss movement. The caliber appears very clean with no obvious signs of corrosion or heavy wear, while the screw heads and plates remain in good condition. Engravings for Hamilton, the caliber number, and the HYL import code are clearly visible. The timegrapher reads +34+38s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown textured leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The strap appears to be in near-new condition, showing minimal wear, and perfectly complements the vintage warmth of the gold-plated case. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial remains exceptionally well-preserved and clean, serving as the visual highlight of the watch. The hands display light age-related oxidation, while the case and lugs show moderate scratches and plating wear consistent with regular mid-century use. The crystal is clear and well-maintained. Dimensions Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Hamilton offers an excellent entry into vintage dress watches, highlighted by an exceptionally clean crosshair dial and classic mid-century proportions. The honest wear to the case speaks to its history, while the reliable manual wind movement ensures it remains a joy to wear and operate. History During the 1960s, Hamilton continued to produce elegant, well-proportioned dress watches that defined mid-century American and Swiss horological style. Relying on high-quality imported Swiss calibers like the 686, the brand offered reliable mechanical performance wrapped in sophisticated case designs. Watches from this era reflect a period when dress watches were an essential daily accessory, prioritizing clean legibility, refined dial finishing, and slim profiles. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: HAM1HR7VNV000