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Thanks for visiting my vintage Hamilton watch blog. I like to restore US-made Hamilton wrist watches back to their original glory and share my experiences with other enthusiasts. Use the "Search" space below if you know what model you're looking for. Feel free to leave polite comments or questions in the spaces provided. Also check out my "watches for sale" on my Etsy site - the link is on the right, just below.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

1965 Sea Mate II

Hamilton must have about 30 or more models named Sea-something.  So many, in fact, that they took to adding roman numerals to mark new models.  A good example is the 1965 Sea Mate II.  It's a completely different model than the 1959 Sea-Mate issued a few years earlier.


The Sea Mate II was one of a few watches that continued to be produced after 1969 - the year Hamilton was sold to what is now the Swatch Group.  It was produced until 1971.  Three dials where available... a white butler finished dial, a black dial and also a masonic dial.

The case is 10k rolled gold plate, RGP, with a stainless steel back.  It opens through the crystal so it has a two-piece stem.  I have found that these one-piece cases with a gold bezel and stainless back must be confusing to a lot of people - as it's not unusual to see pry-marks on the back where someone has tried to separate the two sections.

Inside is a Swiss-made Hamilton 688 movement... the same as an ETA 2390 with 17 jewels.

I recently picked up a Sea Mate II project watch.  After an overhaul, dial cleaning, new crystal and a strap - I think it turned out fantastic.


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16 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    How much would you say this watch is worth?

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  2. HandyDanOctober 31, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    All fixed up and in serviced condition probably $200, in my opinion. A black dialed version, probably more.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chip GibbonsMarch 29, 2018 at 2:30 PM

    I was trying to identify an old watch that I have and Hamilton told me what it was and sent me to your site. Great information.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Russ CarterJuly 10, 2020 at 6:53 AM

    Hi,

    Just got myself a decent example of this SeaMate II.

    Missing the male portion of the winding stem and crown. Do you have a source where I might be able to procure a stem and crown.

    There seem to be stems for the eta 2390 - but can’t find the split versions that Hamilton used on this model?

    Any help would be great.

    Thanks.

    Russ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HandyDanJuly 10, 2020 at 2:20 PM

      Hi Russ. The male portion is a tap 10 male hub. Any tap 10 hub should work fine, as long as it's trimmed to the correct length. If you look on ebay for a "tap 10 male stem" you'll see them

      Delete
  5. Russ CarterJuly 10, 2020 at 11:14 PM

    That’s great information.

    Thank you SO much. 👍🏼

    ReplyDelete
  6. Russ CarterSeptember 13, 2020 at 2:17 AM

    So, all fixed up and running - got to say, I’m REALLY pleased with the results - just got to find myself a decent crown now!

    Thanks for your help and encouragement. Very much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Eli the OpticianSeptember 28, 2020 at 9:20 AM

    Hello, found your site via internet search in effort to I.D. my Hamiltons.
    I seem to have a sea mate II but need a new crystal.
    The previous owner had a low dome crystal[which I liked], but whoever installed it had put a horribly thick and tall tension ring on it which [1] intruded onto the dial, almost touching the 3,6,9 numerals, and it also stuck up higher than the bezel itself[viewed from the side of the case].
    I tried a local watchmaker who put on a new crystal [with tension ring], but his replacement was a 'high dome' which is almost FLAT on top, and the walls protrude pretty high up [ doubling the case's depth] which doesn't look appropriate for a watch w/ a slim case
    So... my question to you is this:
    What would be the proper replacement crystal for this model?
    Does it actually need the tension ring?
    where can I obtain the proper replacement crystal?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HandyDanSeptember 28, 2020 at 1:30 PM

      Low profile crystals are hard to fit to models with sweep second hands. I don't recall the crystal that goes on a Sea Mate II but it doesn't look like it has a reflector ring. Normally a GS PHD style is what is called for, in the correct diameter.

      Delete
  8. Russ CarterSeptember 28, 2020 at 9:41 AM

    Hello, I’m by no means an expert and can only speak as I find. My example of the Sea Mate II has a nice rounded dome shape crystal, that has no tension ring at all. A crystal lifter is needed to remove it, and it completely self-supports once re-fitted.
    With regards to replacement, sorry - I haven’t had to do this with mine, but there are a number of places still stocking crystals for these old pieces.
    Hope you find something that fits and does it justice.
    Russ

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownFebruary 11, 2022 at 2:55 PM

    Hello, I bought this watch for 300£ it is worth? Anyway is George wristwatch!

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  10. UnknownFebruary 11, 2022 at 2:56 PM

    Gorgeus*

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jeff M.October 30, 2025 at 3:21 PM

    I just want to say your website is an incredible resource for a recent vintage Hamilton enthusiast. Picked up my first 60s Sea Mate after researching here.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Eli the OpticianOctober 22, 2026 at 3:52 PM

    Are new mainsprings available for this watch?
    My present watchmaker can't seem to supply one! HELP!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 23, 2026 at 2:15 PM

      Find a new watchmaker and look on eBay for an ETA 2390 mainspring

      Delete
    2. Eli the OpticianOctober 25, 2026 at 2:30 PM

      the ETA 2390 mainspring would be an exact 'drop in' replacement?
      You can still get those NOS?

      Delete

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