Circa 1961.
In the late 1950s, Hamilton introduced a variety of "space age" watch designs that coincided with the United States' space program. These watches are known as "Asymmetric" and were designed by famed industrial designer Richard Arbib. This particular timepiece is called the Hamilton Spectra in an 18K rose gold asymmetrical case featuring 14K gold numerals and dots with fine gold tone transfers on a black sterling silver dial. Powering the watch is a genuine Hamilton 502 electric movement with a fresh battery installed. The watch was bench timed for over 24 hours and kept accurate time.
The Hamilton Caliber 502 is an incredibly rare, transitional electric watch movement introduced around 1961. It served as the provisional prototype name and initial production stepping stone for what eventually became the widely released Hamilton Caliber 505. It was never heavily marketed under the "502" name, true Caliber 502 movements are exceedingly scarce and because it bridges the gap between Hamilton's early temperamental electrics and their later refined movements, it remains a holy grail for specialized vintage watch collectors.
The inside back case reads: Hamilton W. Co. 18K Gold, Lancaster PA., 14K Gold, 73014. Case measurements are approximately 35mm (at the widest points) x 39mm from lug end to lug end.
In the late 1950s, Hamilton introduced a variety of "space age" watch designs that coincided with the United States' space program. These watches are known as "Asymmetric" and were designed by famed industrial designer Richard Arbib. This particular timepiece is called the Hamilton Spectra in an 18K rose gold asymmetrical case featuring 14K gold numerals and dots with fine gold tone transfers on a black sterling silver dial. Powering the watch is a genuine Hamilton 502 electric movement with a fresh battery installed. The watch was bench timed for over 24 hours and kept accurate time.
The Hamilton Caliber 502 is an incredibly rare, transitional electric watch movement introduced around 1961. It served as the provisional prototype name and initial production stepping stone for what eventually became the widely released Hamilton Caliber 505. It was never heavily marketed under the "502" name, true Caliber 502 movements are exceedingly scarce and because it bridges the gap between Hamilton's early temperamental electrics and their later refined movements, it remains a holy grail for specialized vintage watch collectors.
The inside back case reads: Hamilton W. Co. 18K Gold, Lancaster PA., 14K Gold, 73014. Case measurements are approximately 35mm (at the widest points) x 39mm from lug end to lug end.