Limited Production and Rare! Hamilton Geneve 6bb Military Watch Issued 1974 to the British Royal Air Force - Caseback Ref 6bb/523-8290 - Tonneau Shaped Case

By the 1970s the British military was back under some financial pressure, not least due to the ailing UK economy of the day. Smith's watch production was nearing the end of its days, and a new company, Hamilton began producing the W10 that was to succeed the Smiths version and was issued from 1973 to 1976. This watch was manual winding with a Hamilton calibre 649 movement, which was a rebadged ETA 2750 movement, with hack seconds, and in a suitably 1970s tonneau-shaped case. The case was also of a monocoque design and construction, which increased water resistance, and the movement could only be accessed by removing the glass!

This particular Hamilton Genève is an English, Royal Air Force issued '6bb' from 1975, with the correct Genève marked dial, and is one of approximately only 700 issued in that year making it particularly sought after and so much rarer than the only other production year for these particular references, which was 1974, which in comparison, approximately 3700 were supplied! 

The ‘T’ marking on the dial refers to tritium, the original 1970s material used to make dials luminescent, a mark that guarantees originality. 

These variously marked military Hamiltons were produced between 1973 and 1976. For this to have survived so long in this condition is extremely rare; this is a true gem. The watch succeeded the earlier Smiths production piece and preceded the CWC production pieces.

What's on Offer

Hamilton's military watches have earned a reputation for their reliability, precision, and durability. This Hamilton is in excellent condition and a great example of their signature style offering all the comfort and functionality of a great field watch. The internal elements of this watch include a calibre 649 (ETA 2750 base) movement. ETA is known for producing reliable and high-quality Swiss-made movements. This particular movement has a power reserve of 50 hours and keeps excellent time. 

Caseback engravings read 6bb/523-8290 referring to military issue numbers. The well-lumed hands and hour markers have aged beautifully and contrast nicely against the black dial. Hamilton is a respected name in the watch industry, both in military and civilian contexts and this is an excellent addition to anyone's collection.

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless steel

Dial: Black

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: NATO style

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual 

Movement Type: Mechanical hand-wound

Calibre: (649) Base ETA 2750 

Jewels: 17

Waterproof: When new

Power reserve:

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference Number: 6BB/523-8290

Date of issue: 1974

Guarantee VWS 12 months 

Dimensions

Width: 36mm

Lug width: 19mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 41mm

Wrist size:  Adjustable