My dad was a Railroad man and a Hamilton watch is all he bought. I recently bought a ladies Hamilton 14kt and diamond dress watch with a diamond watchband and I LOVE it. It is from the late 50's to early 60's and keeps perfect time. It is a joy to wear and is absolutely beautiful to look at. Too bad most women today don't wear and enjoy these gorgeous watches or don't know about them.
I just purchased an elegant 1965 Thin-o-Matic today and I love it. Thank you for your videos. I have just begun my journey into the horological world and I’m honored to have you as a guide.
This is an OUTSTANDING video in both production and content. Not just presenting facts and opinions but the poetry of them put together. This could have been a sterile look at an important brand, but no! I'm transported to another place and time. Hamilton is my favorite brand along with Seiko and their old 6139s which you celebrate also. We are brothers in time. Peace to you my friend.
Thank you so much Tod, I am truly touched by your kind words, you have a very poetic way of putting things too. "Brothers in time" I love that. As for the Seiko 6139s, me too brother, me too!!! Best regards, TGV
I'm just getting into this watch rabbit whole😳 I have A LOT to learn, but I've been turning more and more to your channel. Great content, and it's very much appreciated 🤘🙏 also an unintentional asmr channel 😂
I've been watching your videos for a few months now and I can say you single handedly have made given me the watch bug. Starting small first but I'm sure I will be getting a Hamilton soon making my way to a Tudor or Rolex at some point in the next couple of years. Ordered the SEIKO SRP315K2 in the last hour. Thank you Sir for your well informed and interesting videos. Greetings and regards from Oxford UK!
Thank you so much, and congrats on the Seiko, great choice, I am sure it will serve you will. Enjoy the journey and welcome aboard sir! Best regards, TGV
LordSod - Swatch Group is evil and has repeatedly raided and attacked the real Swiss watchmaking industry. Being new to watches, please lookup Swatch Group history and decide for yourself if you want to support such a business by purchasing any, admittedly attractive, offerings from their sub brands. Seiko is a solid choice, I hope you enjoy it! Just before you pour money into a swatch product, please learn about them. Even the other conglomerates aren't as vicious. And, theres plenty of micro brands building affordable quality pieces (Borealis, Steinhart, Archimede to name a few) who are actually interested in customer satisfaction and watchmaking instead of market share domination and grabbing your cash. Best of luck with the hobby and hopefully the bug didn't bite too hard!
I second OP, thanks to you & christian z. my bank account is empty but my love for horology has grown 10 fold. Not only that bc my interest, both my younger and older brothers have picked up collecting.
I totally agree with most of what you said about the vintage Hamilton pieces. I have 2 nice pieces my grandfather passed down, but my love is in the Omega seamasters "50s-60s" my absolute favorite is a 560 Calibre Seamaster automatic from 63. 14k GF but absolutely sharp on a croc band. it's become my lucky watch and my most common watch worn. haha. i started watching your content about a year back and im glad I've been more active into the hobby. Cheers!
If you love classy dress watches and thin watches, nothing really compares to vintage pieces, I own a 1960's Doxa and it is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL watch in my collection. I paid $60 for it and it was in mint condition with just slight oxidation on the hands. I will do a video of it in the future, hopefully :)
I completely endorse your point. They are beautiful watches and much undervalued. One of the best things about them (apart from their excellent movements and use of gold, especially rolled gold plate), is the fact - as you mention - that they were so often given as long service/retirement gifts. The great thing about this is that they, as a consequence, were often engraved on the back. I bought mine from a vendor in a market in Richmond, Virginia. On the back it has engraved 'N. Callas 1969.' Oh if this watch could talk!! Thanks for the great insights.
Loved the video! I am a vintage Hamilton fan. I have a few of the smaller square USA made ones. Love them, they are sooooo small on the wrist. But when I wear one to work I almost think about it on my wrist all day long. I find myself looking at it, thinking how cool it is. No one else really sees it. They make me smile knowing I have this supercool watch and no one knows it's there, right next to them... A dirty little secret, that makes me smile. I am smiling as I write think thinking about how my little Hammies make me feel! Too cool.
Excellent review on the Rodney and vintage Hamilton from the fifties & early sixties. Watches and cars designed by artists and not computers. I am a big fan of Hamilton watches and own three of them. Well done TGV.
Hi TGV, over the past few years you have given me the "watch bug". Yesterday I was offered a job as a watch dealer and I thank you for introducing me to the wonderful passion of horology. Best regards, Will
Great video as usual. Love Hamilton. Future video idea would be a look at Vintage 1960's and 70's Seiko watches. Not as old but the funky, chunky designs are so much fun. As always thank you for making watches something fun with all your positive vibes.
Excellent idea, I have covered several from that era so far but deffo worth a re-visit, so much to discover!!!! Thank you Sam, very much appreciated. Best regards, TGV
It occurs to me. You name-checked Bremont in the vid when you when to view the Pateks in Manhattan but you haven't done much more about them. Well worth a look. The history behind the founding of bremont watch co is inspiring.
I have had my Grandfather's Hamilton Thin-O-Matic for over 50yrs now and it's in pristine condition. Still great keeps great time! Well done video! A true gentlemen of statements!
Very interesting and informative. I have a Hamilton Thin-o-matic given to me back in the 70's by a relative, and a 1922 Hamilton pocket watch, the face of the dial measures around 40mm. I am now excited to keep on the lookout for another vintage Hamilton thanks to your encouragement. Den Bob - Canal Fulton Ohio.
Love your vintage history pieces TGV. We must never forget where our modern pieces come from, such warm and informative history/heritage. Well done Sir. On a side note I love the look of the old War Room, and would love to see some of those astetics in the new Downtown War Room in my humble opinion. It just needs that warm welcoming feel that your audience has come to know and love. Thank you.
A bit off topic but recently while hunting for vintage watches I stumbled upon a beautiful vintage dress watch from Ricoh. I rushed to purchase it but I was beaten by several minutes. Oh well, now I can look for vintage Hamilton.
I'm so glad you did this video. Hamilton pulls off original, adventurous designs like the Ventura, that seem to hold up and still look classy and "current", even decades after they're introduced. You're so right about the special "feeling" one gets from this brand!
All great points. Can't argue with any of it! Both modern and vintage Hamilton offer some of the best value and variety on the market. Vintage Longines is a great value too but doesn't offer quite the same variety and prices start a bit higher.
I recently aquired a 1948 Hamilton railway special pocket watch with the calibre 992b 21 jewel. I absolutely love it. Highly reccomend it if you can get your hands on one.
I love the dimpled minute track and the counter-balance on the second hand. The Rodney has a lot of character. Hamilton even made their own lubricant. They even used real rubies for their movements - the Swiss were using synthetic jewel. I finally bought an Ashley with the legendary caliber 982. You need a Hamilton Marine Chronometer for the War Room.
Speaking of vintage, my 3rd in a trifecta of Timex pieces just arrived today. I now own a 1977, 1971, and 1967. Affordable ways to get into vintage collecting, not to mention classy. I got all 3 with shipping for around $110. I am very interested in vintage Hamiltons, and this may be my next option. Thank you for these reviews, brother.
I'm stunned by your grasp of American history and tradition. Even though you're not "from here" you're amazingly aware of the essence of the 50s and 60s.
I bought a 1972 Bulova Accutron (calendar model) for about $150ish. 32mm gold case, silver dial, roman numerals. It's a great little piece that looks great with a suit, or just jeans. I'd recommend this piece to anyone.
the Swiss watch makers never achieved the level of quality that Hamilton did. I own a 923 made in the late 1940’s that keeps time to 5 seconds a month. That watch is every bit as well finished as a Patek, decorated every plate finished every gear. . If they weren’t so small they’d still be the equivalent of a Vacheron-Constantin or Patek wind up. Modern Hams are still great watches, though they don’t hold a candle to pre 69’s.
TGV I love these Hamilton watches. I have a Hamilton 1963 Rodney Inland steel 25 year watch. I am wearing the Hamilton Khaki King on a blue nato strap.
I inherited an ornate gold Hamilton 916 pocket watch from my grandfather, from the '20s - and it still works! I was named after him, but never met him; he passed away when my mother was only three. I just have two photos, his pocket watch, and - get this - his sword cane :-) Anyway, this led to my interest in Hamilton watches, as I don't want to risk losing it damaging this slender link to my ancestor by carry it around. Picked up a new Khaki Navy Pioneer - $670 on Amazon! I'm wearing it more than my Explorer.
What are your thoughts on higher priced Hamilton watches like the khaki navy pioneer Auto Chrono? Better value to go for a similar priced Omega or Tag Heuer?
TGV - Thanks for another thought provoking video. I have two questions for you, or anyone else who would like to reply... 1) How does the fit and finish of these vintage Hamiltons compare to a modern watch? Or rather, when new how did it compare? Was it close to an Orient Bambino, or a Seiko SARB033, or an Omega Aqua Terra? (I consider each of those to be distinctly different) 2) Are you familiar with RGM watches that are currently being made near Lancaster, PA? If so, what do you think of them?
A Leone Most vintage watches feel pretty fragile and don't have the best fit and finish but that's part of the charm in my opinion. If you want something with more history, classic looks, and has that charm vintage is the way to go. But in terms of value for money I'd say due to updated manufacturing processes most newer watches will be able to offer better quality. Orient bambino would probably be the closest match but that is just my perspective on it.
Dru Michael - Thanks. I just haven't had a chance to handle too many vintage pieces. I really like the look of the classic Omegas, Longines and Hamiltons. I just haven't been able to pull the trigger.
Great question. I test the watches myself, if there are any serious issues or I need it to be verified I send it to my watchmaker. Thank you, Best regards, TGV
This was a well thought out and wonderfully presented introduction about a brand I wasn't that familiar with. I knew about their pocket watches but little about their beautiful 50s-60s timepieces. Thank you TGV!
Well this may not be vintage, but I received my first Hamilton yesterday. It is the H69419933 handwind black face military watch with date ETA 2804-2 movement. Up until now I have only owned various Seiko autos, a couple Orient autos, and a Sea Gull m182sk skeleton watch. This is my first Swiss made watch and it is a handwinding which I have been wanting.
I own a Eterna - Eternamatic from around 60-70, got it from my father who got it from his grandfather. Crazy stuff and still runs. think the Eterna Vintage are a bit underrated, as they started third-party movement supply in a big way.
I would argue that vintage Longines are better value, comparable quality and far more beautiful. While some are up in the 800 range, most are in this 200-500 range.
I would agree, but so far I have not found as many this affordable, the really nice ones always tend to be just over $500. I guess I will keep hunting, hooray ;-) Thank you, Best regards, TGV
Such a great video. I agree that in the mid twentieth century, there was such an attention to details and the attractiveness of everyday things. I just st purchased a gold 1954 Omega Automatic with a black dial. It's beautiful and keeps reasonably good time.
loved your video. I just picked up a 1957 Hailton k-503 with the original band off ebay.Currently having it restored.(leaving the dial original) There is something about these older watches that just oozes classyness. I think Hamilton still produces the Intra matic, a modern throw back to that bygone era.
My best friend finally bought a marathon GPM. His first automatic watch, and his entrance to the hobby. I'm so proud of him. He wants to put it on the Bond NATO. Funny thing the thumbnail on today's video has it. You're a part of the reason he bought it.
Hi! Im new to watches and have a few questions if anyone could help me. I am thinking about purchasing the Seiko SKX013, but I am unsure if I should buy it with the rubber or the steel bracelet. Therefore I have a few questions for you, that I really be happy getting an answer for. -Since the 013 is smaller than the 007/009 is it then difficult to find correct size when bying straps? -How is the quality of the rubber and the steel bracelet which is available when buying the watch? -Im planning on buying a NATO strap. Is this strap good for use in water? If it is, I think a good idea would be to buy the steel bracelet with the watch, and then buy a NATO to use in water and for sports. Off topic questions: -In one of your videos you said that the Swatch Sistem51 was a great watch for the money. Does this also apply to the Swatch Sistem51 Irony? They seem like very nice watches, but maybe a bit too big for me. Is it just me or is that watch case very thick compared to its size? -Is it called a watch bracelet, band or strap? Im really confused, haha. Greetings from Norway, I hope you're have a great day.
Hi mate, I have an SKX013 and I wish I got one with a steel jubilee. I actually got my vintage example on ebay quite cheap and it only came with an aftermarket rubber strap. I have never used it! Constantly change between a few different Zulu straps (Im not a fan of the added thickness of natos) and a leather strap. The 013 is relatively 'tall' at 13mm, so a nato can accentuate how high it sits on the wrist, especially with a leather nato. Nylon Zulu/nato straps are perfectly good for swimming (rinse with fresh water after ocean dips). Looks great with both types but wish I had a jubilee as another option. It takes 20mm straps so there are a huge amount of options. I have 6.5" wrists so the SKX013 is perfect at around 38mm. For bigger wrists the 42mm SKX007 is always a good shot. Cheers
Hey there! Couple answers for you: -The lug width on the SK013 is 20mm, so any strap that is 20mm will fit it. -I would highly recommend getting it on the jubilee. A NATO strap would be just perfect for diving/sports - NATO straps are made of nylon so they are tough and water doesn't damage them. As an extra bonus it keep your watch on your wrist even if one of the spring bars breaks or fall off (this is because it loops through both spring bars. -If you are going to buy a NATO strap I'd recommend cheapestnatostraps.com; they have a very good selection of straps so you could buy a few straps and switch them out if you want something different (NATOs are very quick and easy to change), just remember to get on that is 20mm Hope this helped :)
013 and 007/9 share the same size of straps which is 22 mm. you can find it on ebay at ease. in terms of rubber strap vs steel bracelet : the rubber is very stiff for my liking so then I change mine to leather straps and in the case of steel bracelet I find that it rattles, you can tell that it is not high quality. yes NATO straps are very useful for water/sports use because it is made of nylon. yes, it depends on your activity. Swatch sistem51 is a nice watch and the cheapest swiss made you can find and Irony is part of sistem51. So, all have the same machine but different dial and styles. Bracelet usually refers to steel, while band and strap refer to other than steel hope it helps
Generally the term "strap is used for leather, rubber and nylon and "bracelet" is used for steel, gold and etc. The factory Jubilee bracelet is not of the best quality. You might consider getting the rubber strap and then getting your NATO strap and metal bracelet from after market providers. That way you have all three options available for your needs. In my opinion Strap Code offers the best quality, for the money, steel bracelet for the SKX013. Here is a link for your review: www.strapcode.com/store/20mm-super-oyster-316l-stainless-steel-watch-band-seiko-skx013-diver-clasp-brushed-p-4649.html#.WY7cRa17FE4
Totally agree with you. Just bought a '65 Hamilton automatic ladies for my wife with a beautiful 21 mm goldcase. 21mm automatic, its amazing how precise they built such small calibers in that time. Thx for the Video TGV. Now, the prices will go up ;)
Hello tgv, i was just wondering if you had any suggestion for an affordable (100-200) dive watch, 40mm or less and with designs cues from the submariner. Best regards!
That Hamilton Rodney is beautiful and in that condition as spectacular buy at $200. I have heard these American made Hamiltons referred to as the Patek of American watches. Too bad the original factory was closed in 1969. Also very good and to compete with Hamilton were American Lord Elgins.
Love the Hamilton! I own a few vintage Hamiltons that I got for a deal on eBay. Absolutely love them everyday, once I get the straps in from Holbens, they will be in the collection for sure. Another great watch I recommend is Gruen. I recently bought one that was absolutely gorgeous with the original metal band.
i really enjoy watches and I really enjoy watching how you enjoy watches., amazing videos and reviews, my dad he was a watchmaker and I still remember his passion about it calling me to show me an amazing omegas, hamilton , longines,oris movements when he was fixing them and more amazing is when he put in the watch machine 3 or 4 watches in the same time all in every single part to clean in white gasoline is lovely to see hundreds of miniature parts working like a team to give us a time. I Love your videos .
The vintage hamiltons are great looking watches. Thanks for your excellent review TGV, i can't understand the 19 dislikes though as i think you do a great job putting your time and effort in, in what you do with your channel. Thank you.
Hi all! I bought a MuDu watch for 85£ and it's so fascinating for me to have on my wrist a watch from the late 50s whose history is made up of smuggling, clandestine watchmaking and the port of Bristol. Love it!
Great way to start my Saturday here in Perth, Western Australia. Cup of brewed tea, crumpets and a new TGV video. Very enjoyable and and also interesting point you made about the stories that Hamilton could reveal. If only it were able to speak!
New to your channel, and I'm getting the watch bug and enjoying it. Not ready for the Lux ones yet. Recent purchases I have now are; Seiko 5 SNK809, and Casio AE-1300WH, and I'm really enjoying them. You have some great knowledge on horology and I enjoy learning. Keep it up.
Excellent choices, don't worry about luxury watches, all that is important is that you enjoy them! Welcome aboard and enjoy the joinery my friend. Best regards, TGV
Nostalgia: the past was so much better. But, I was a child in the 50's and I remember the negatives as well; the curse of being an historian. It's the memories of the good times we had that color an era, which is fortunate. If a wristwatch brings those enjoyable memories back, then that's good. I'm now looking for a Masonic Hamilton Rodney, TGV, thanks to this review.
So I'm debating on grabbing a nice old Hamilton 9162 that's not currently running for $30, hoping it's just a battery, OR an older 80's citizen elegance with the moon phase function that is running for $55
Review a vintage mechanical Timex. They take a licking and keep ticking. Some of their watches are so nice that watch dealers think that my Timex Marlin is an Omega or Rolex
Very nice watch. A real master piece. I started looking for a hamilton with that minimalistic style. massive thanks for all this realy nice reviews.great for some one who is getting into watches.Good luck TGV!!!!!
Very instructive video of the Hamiltion brand . I have three Hamiltons my self. A Ventura that i bought back in 2011 a Ventura XXL in 2013 an recently a Ventura Chronograh ! I just love that triangular shape of the Watch !! I have a question for you , do you think that the Value of the venutra watches will increes or do you think that some years from now the ventura watches won’t be that valuable?
Great video! I received the Hamilton Jazzmaster for Christmas and didn't know to much about them. I love this watch and Hamilton now. Very classy. Keep up with the great videos.
You are correct on vintage Hammies. Hard to find under $500 though. Vintage Hamilton, Tissot and Bulovas are my fave. Fortis is another great one you can acquire at a reasonable price.
You are responsible for my financial ruin, also would love to see a video on swatch watches from the swatch brand, especially a mix from different time periods!
TGV, Just saw this video and the one of the new studio. Acoustics aside it looks like a nice place to produce your channel. At least you have a view! If you want to dabble in the "carriage trade" of select customer procurement of specific watches that you can source with your contacts and sources, it can be a nice side business. You spoke of your journalistic integrity, that's never been suspect and is above reproach. Your reviews are unbiased with just a hint of favoritism towards what you believe what may increase in value or what represents a fair or even better, a deal. Continue on as always your providing a service as well being entertaining.
Reminds me of years ago when I traded a mechanical LL Bean field watch made by Hamilton for a quartz with an alarm because it was "better". Thanks to my lessons from professor TGV I've been kicking myself!
Good thing I found my vintage Hamilton just before you made this! Prices are sure to go up now ;) Great video as always TGV, you have impeccable taste my friend
since my childhood i have a total obsession with black pvd watches, chronographs in particular. the reason? well, belmondo or the professionals (the british detective tv series) wore the heuer psadenas (or le jour/pd orfina) and some other movies and series, where i, don´t know why, always watched the beautiful contrasting black matt chronos on the actors wrists. i noticed, that you don´t own many of black pvp watches (besides the marathon one), why this? or, if i´m wrong, which are your favourites? thanks.
Your videos are so entertaining, I love your passion and insight into the world of watches. I am interested in purchasing an antique watch and was wondering if there are ways to remove some of the minor scratches from the face. Continue the great work TGV, I love every time you put out a new video!
Hi TGV Surely stylish watches; like the Omegas and Longines from that classic period. A bit more Art Deco inspired, as American items used to be back then... Love that Rodney - a design icon with that fascinating two tone dail✌️ Keep up the good work👍
You are by far my favorite youtuber, always so much passion in your video's. I really want to have a great collection in watches in a few years. From affordable ones to more higher ends. Love it
Another piece of wonderful programme making. Thank you.... and you are a fan on Midnight In Paris. I'm off to get that Thin-o-matic. Will make it my 18th Hamilton (I think). There is also something about the Hamiltons being the watch of choice for American companies marking the retirement of an employee. I have a few with the names of long gone men on their backs who spent their lives toiling in the post war sunshine on the American dream and slipped into their twighlight years wearing a Hamilton presented to them before the clocked off for the last time. When I wear one of these pieces I can almost - just for a fleeting moment - imagine I am Lester Klunge or Otis Feather or even Willard Coots. All sadly no longer around but their watches keep ticking., Makes ya think.
Excellent point about American companies sleeting them, the patriotic spirit I guess, I like it. I love you poetic imagines, very cool my friend. Thank you for sharing that. Best regards, TGV
Excellent Content! The 2 Hamilitons that are my Favourite are: The Pioneer & JazzMaster 44mm.. I'm no expert in vintage, but Hamiliton as a brand you have to Respect!! I mean come on.. Elvis wore one!! Great Stuff TGV!
TGV. Look for a K-451. This was like a 1954 model. With the Kurth Freres Certina movement. it ran spot on for two weeks. I thought I would clean the dial. I got the dial clean and then broke off the staff when putting on the second hand. I was sick. This watch would look modern today as in any other time. Not reflective of a certain time period. I gave it to my friend Dan at Vintage Hamilton Watch Restoration. The Budda of Hamilton. Check out his blog. I have several of the rectangular models from the forties, with a couple of them on sale on ebay as we speak. Check out the Hamilton factory film from 1947 here on you tube. They even refined their own oil. Hamilton rules. Check out my pieces on ebay. 1960jc.
Hey TGV, which vintage, low, mid and high-value watches manufactured in 1973 would you recommend for a Glaswegian guy of the same vintage? You could even make a series of suggestions for yourself to buy something from the year you were born. p.s. I know 1973 was a great year for music and I would love it if it was a great year for watch making too :) DJ
It's the Khaki Field 42mm, H70555533. It took me a lot of research before deciding on this particular model, but I am glad I put in the time to find the right watch as I am really enjoying it.
So much satisfaction in acquiring these beautiful pieces of this vintage era. Have a few Hamiltons (12kgf) circa late 60's inscribed to retiring employees. Most are round cases, but some very handsome tanks (tuxedo style) from the era. All of these smaller sizes (34m) make a great gift to a female who appreciates style. How many spitfires do you have? Best Regards, JP
