Hamilton Thin-O-Matic

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were without question the golden age of American watchmaking. The implementation of mass production and interchangeable parts assured American supremacy. Brands such as Gruen, Elgin, and Hamilton vied against the Swiss to dominate the watch industry. The latter, in particular, was at the top of its game. Specifically, the development of railroad chronometers gave Hamilton a reputation for accuracy and dependability in an age where these qualities were vital in a watch.But the brand's production did not rest on railroad chronometers alone: Between the 1920s and 1930s and the 1950s the Lancaster, PA-based company released a dizzying array of designs. The Thin-O-Matic ref. T403, produced in the early 1960s, is one of the brand's most desirable watches. Distinctive for its 'shark fin' lugs, the T403 utilizes a micro-rotor movement to produce an exceptionally thin profile. The unique design is paired with a sleek dial display that captures the mid-century aesthetics for which many of Hamilton's watches are most prized. Vintage Hamiltons are having a moment of comeback in the last handful of years, and this piece is one of the most collectable in their archive. With a unique design and lovely condition, this is one not to pass up!