Hamilton 0552/924-3306 Military Chronograph from 1972

This particular watch is celebrated affectionately as one of the members of the esteemed ‘Fab Four’ group consisting of Hamilton, CWC, Newmark and Precista. During Britain’s periods of military prominence, a set of four distinguished watch models, considered the highest performing at the time, were issued to the Royal Airforce to aid in a pilot’s many intense synchronisation and navigation tasks. This particular Hamilton model, deployed in 1972, was issued to the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, as denoted by the ‘0552’ marking. The watch is powered by a Valjoux 7733 movement and is situated on a khaki coloured military strap. At 37mm this model is a perfect size, commanding a presence on the wrist while encapsulating a largely utilitarian aesthetic. Furthermore this watch remains in outstanding condition, with some light patina showing on various indices and now gorgeously cream-coloured luminous hands.

Alongside this model comes a letter from Hamilton Customer Service Department, detailing the watch’s mechanical components, age and history. Additionally a letter from the Ministry of Defence uses the watch’s engraved code on the case back to decipher its year of deployment and official certification of its military origin. Ultimately this Hamilton Chronograph exists as one of the more sought-after military timepieces in British history and is certainly the focal point of any military watch collection. Equally this watch is versatile in its use as an every day watch, compatible with any look or occasion. Overflowing with prestige and vivid history, this Hamilton 0552/924-3306 is a testament to the timeless brilliance of military watchmaking.