1980s Hamilton Field Watch Retailed by L.L. Bean
Why This Watch Matters
A collaboration before collaborations were cool.
The Full Story
"Rugged and reliable alternatives to an expensive dress watch for field use. Manufactured by the Hamilton Watch Co. U.S. Military specifications. Fully tested for water and shock resistance. Anti-magnetic. 17 jewels for smooth, accurate operation."
That was the sell in L.L. Bean's catalog. Alongside the heralded Duck Boots and Chamois Shirts was this, a field watch manufactured by another great American brand, Hamilton Watch Co. L.L., short for Leon Leonwood, Bean was founded some twenty years after Hamilton in 1912 and remains today a staple of the American style landscape while firmly Maine in feeling rather than New York City or Los Angeles like the many brands that surround it. Leon, the founder, was always staunch in his belief to never compromise on quality, in manufacturing in the U.S., and in offering his customers the best warranty he could – bring it back anytime for a new one or your money back.
The watch we have here is the "civilian" version of Hamilton's mil-spec which is complete 12/24 hour dial, matte dial, and luminous hands. The design is pulled directly from American service members who wore similar watches in Vietnam, Korea, and other such operations. The co-branded dial both offers nostalgia and Americana as well as announcing the first memorable collaboration in the world of watches – there is no HODINKEE x (insert your favorite LE brand here) without this L.L. Bean x Hamilton.
The Fine Print
Maker: HamiltonModel: Field Watch
Reference: N/A
Year: 1980s
Case No: 921980
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 33mm diameter; 11mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Hamilton signed ETA, manually-wound, caliber 2750
Bracelet/Strap: Green nylon single piece strap
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No
What We Love And What You Should Know
Things We Love:
- Co-branded dial- Classic field watch design
- Great overall condition
Things To Know:
- Scratches on case- Hour hand has been partially relumed to refill a small hole
This Hamilton is in very nice, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and some light nicks. The finish on the case is all visible. The facets on the lugs are clearly visible. The text and numbers on the caseback are clearly visible. The caseback has some scratches.
The dial is in good condition with some patina. The hands show some wear. There is a bit of patina on the hour markers. The hour hand has been partially relumed to refill a small hole. The lume in the minutes hand shows some wear with a slight cracking throughout. The lume on the dial has aged to a pleasing color.
The crystal has scratches. The case, dial, and movement are all signed by Hamilton. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Why This Watch Matters
A collaboration before collaborations were cool.
The Full Story
"Rugged and reliable alternatives to an expensive dress watch for field use. Manufactured by the Hamilton Watch Co. U.S. Military specifications. Fully tested for water and shock resistance. Anti-magnetic. 17 jewels for smooth, accurate operation."
That was the sell in L.L. Bean's catalog. Alongside the heralded Duck Boots and Chamois Shirts was this, a field watch manufactured by another great American brand, Hamilton Watch Co. L.L., short for Leon Leonwood, Bean was founded some twenty years after Hamilton in 1912 and remains today a staple of the American style landscape while firmly Maine in feeling rather than New York City or Los Angeles like the many brands that surround it. Leon, the founder, was always staunch in his belief to never compromise on quality, in manufacturing in the U.S., and in offering his customers the best warranty he could – bring it back anytime for a new one or your money back.
The watch we have here is the "civilian" version of Hamilton's mil-spec which is complete 12/24 hour dial, matte dial, and luminous hands. The design is pulled directly from American service members who wore similar watches in Vietnam, Korea, and other such operations. The co-branded dial both offers nostalgia and Americana as well as announcing the first memorable collaboration in the world of watches – there is no HODINKEE x (insert your favorite LE brand here) without this L.L. Bean x Hamilton.
The Fine Print
Maker: HamiltonModel: Field Watch
Reference: N/A
Year: 1980s
Case No: 921980
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 33mm diameter; 11mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Hamilton signed ETA, manually-wound, caliber 2750
Bracelet/Strap: Green nylon single piece strap
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No
What We Love And What You Should Know
Things We Love:
- Co-branded dial- Classic field watch design
- Great overall condition
Things To Know:
- Scratches on case- Hour hand has been partially relumed to refill a small hole
This Hamilton is in very nice, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and some light nicks. The finish on the case is all visible. The facets on the lugs are clearly visible. The text and numbers on the caseback are clearly visible. The caseback has some scratches.
The dial is in good condition with some patina. The hands show some wear. There is a bit of patina on the hour markers. The hour hand has been partially relumed to refill a small hole. The lume in the minutes hand shows some wear with a slight cracking throughout. The lume on the dial has aged to a pleasing color.
The crystal has scratches. The case, dial, and movement are all signed by Hamilton. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Description
Why This Watch Matters
A collaboration before collaborations were cool.
The Full Story
"Rugged and reliable alternatives to an expensive dress watch for field use. Manufactured by the Hamilton Watch Co. U.S. Military specifications. Fully tested for water and shock resistance. Anti-magnetic. 17 jewels for smooth, accurate operation."
That was the sell in L.L. Bean's catalog. Alongside the heralded Duck Boots and Chamois Shirts was this, a field watch manufactured by another great American brand, Hamilton Watch Co. L.L., short for Leon Leonwood, Bean was founded some twenty years after Hamilton in 1912 and remains today a staple of the American style landscape while firmly Maine in feeling rather than New York City or Los Angeles like the many brands that surround it. Leon, the founder, was always staunch in his belief to never compromise on quality, in manufacturing in the U.S., and in offering his customers the best warranty he could – bring it back anytime for a new one or your money back.
The watch we have here is the "civilian" version of Hamilton's mil-spec which is complete 12/24 hour dial, matte dial, and luminous hands. The design is pulled directly from American service members who wore similar watches in Vietnam, Korea, and other such operations. The co-branded dial both offers nostalgia and Americana as well as announcing the first memorable collaboration in the world of watches – there is no HODINKEE x (insert your favorite LE brand here) without this L.L. Bean x Hamilton.
The Fine Print
Maker: HamiltonModel: Field Watch
Reference: N/A
Year: 1980s
Case No: 921980
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 33mm diameter; 11mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Hamilton signed ETA, manually-wound, caliber 2750
Bracelet/Strap: Green nylon single piece strap
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No
What We Love And What You Should Know
Things We Love:
- Co-branded dial- Classic field watch design
- Great overall condition
Things To Know:
- Scratches on case- Hour hand has been partially relumed to refill a small hole
This Hamilton is in very nice, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and some light nicks. The finish on the case is all visible. The facets on the lugs are clearly visible. The text and numbers on the caseback are clearly visible. The caseback has some scratches.
The dial is in good condition with some patina. The hands show some wear. There is a bit of patina on the hour markers. The hour hand has been partially relumed to refill a small hole. The lume in the minutes hand shows some wear with a slight cracking throughout. The lume on the dial has aged to a pleasing color.
The crystal has scratches. The case, dial, and movement are all signed by Hamilton. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
