A scarce Hamilton Grenadier II watch with unusual lugs, still fitted with its original silhouette hands.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
These watches were in the Hamilton catalogues from 1955 to 1957. We have chosen the middle year to estimate the production date.
CONDITION
Two models were originally available. The Grenadier I has a central seconds hand, the Grenadier II has sub seconds display. Each was $79.50.
One of the unusual features are the silhouette hands. The back of the hands was covered in radium, so the hands would contrast against the dial to be able to read this at night. The hands fitted to this watch are original, but the glow is no longer visible – it isn’t the radium that runs out – it has a half life of 1,600 years – but instead it is the reactive agent zinc sulphide that breaks down. There is a stain on the dial where the hands have stood still for a number of years, but this is all part of the story of this watch.
The case has a screw down stainless steel case back. The rest of the case is 10k gold filled and shows a few marks but nothing notable. The Speidel expanding bracelet is clean and may be a later replacement, but does suit the watch.
This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video below for more detail.
SIZE
Width with crown 34.8 mm
Width without crown 33.5 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 38.7 mm
Bracelet maximum length 200 mm approximately
Thickness 9.2 mm
All sizes are approximate
PRICE
£199 including 2 months guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.