Circa 1955-1956.
Here is a vintage electric Hamilton Titan housed in a 10K yellow gold-filled case with a clear back, displaying 14K gold numerals and markers along with a pearled track on a sterling silver dial. The Hamilton Watch Company, based in Lancaster, PA, is renowned for pioneering the first "electric" watch, which was announced to much acclaim in January 1957.
Several years prior, the company was intensely focused on the development and testing of this innovative approach to timekeeping. Between 1955 and 1956, their efforts advanced to the point where prototype creation and in-house testing were necessary. Notice the transparent back, the serial number on the movement, and the absence of the word "electric" on the dial. Around 1300 test models were produced with the majority of them made for "rack testing." Hamilton distributed about 160-300 gold-filled "Titan" case prototypes for employees to wear-test which had engraved backs that said "Do Not Open, Property of the Hamilton Watch Co." Only a small handful of models with clear backs such as this one were reserved strictly for executives so they could turn over and see the movement run.
This watch measures roughly 35mm in width and 43mm in length, featuring a stepped circular case design with elongated lugs. Beneath the dial lies the Hamilton electric 500 movement, powered by a new battery that has performed strongly and kept accurate time over a 24-hour test period.
Here is a vintage electric Hamilton Titan housed in a 10K yellow gold-filled case with a clear back, displaying 14K gold numerals and markers along with a pearled track on a sterling silver dial. The Hamilton Watch Company, based in Lancaster, PA, is renowned for pioneering the first "electric" watch, which was announced to much acclaim in January 1957.
Several years prior, the company was intensely focused on the development and testing of this innovative approach to timekeeping. Between 1955 and 1956, their efforts advanced to the point where prototype creation and in-house testing were necessary. Notice the transparent back, the serial number on the movement, and the absence of the word "electric" on the dial. Around 1300 test models were produced with the majority of them made for "rack testing." Hamilton distributed about 160-300 gold-filled "Titan" case prototypes for employees to wear-test which had engraved backs that said "Do Not Open, Property of the Hamilton Watch Co." Only a small handful of models with clear backs such as this one were reserved strictly for executives so they could turn over and see the movement run.
This watch measures roughly 35mm in width and 43mm in length, featuring a stepped circular case design with elongated lugs. Beneath the dial lies the Hamilton electric 500 movement, powered by a new battery that has performed strongly and kept accurate time over a 24-hour test period.