1955 Automatic K-403

The first automatics in Hamilton's lineup were originally branded as Illinois watches.  Interestingly, they used ETA movements.  

Within a year or two Hamilton-branded automatics were introduced.  The earliest models used Eterna movements but those were rapidly replaced by Kirth Freres (Certina).  The model line was aptly named the Automatic K-series.  Although the K-series continued to be made in the 1960s, by the end of the 1950s two additional automatic model lines were introduced... the Accumatic series and the Thin-o-matic series.

The K-series is probably my favorite of the three.  That's mainly because they are big and chunky and each one is a little different.

A good example is the 1955 Automatic K-403.  It was produced for three years. 

As you can see the catalog depiction, the K-403 was available on a bracelet or a strap.  It features a 10K yellow gold filled case.  The dial is embossed with numerals and markers with a pearled track.  It's "waterproof" but I wouldn't put that to the test.

My project watch is in very good condition.  The dial is a little toned from the luminous paint on the hands but nothing too distracting.  The bracelet is nice but it's not original, so I could take it or leave it.  Personally, I'm a strap man.

The case back is engraved with a somewhat cryptic presentation from 1956.

The inside of the case back makes identifying the model easy - it's stamped right inside the case back.  The movement is in excellent condition.  

Everything is cleaned and readied for reassembly.  There are a lot of parts to an automatic but this movement is very straightforward to put back together.

The basic movement, sans the automatic bits, is back together and running nicely.  Let's see what the timer has to say about it.

It's running a little fast but it won't take much of an adjustment to slow it down a smidgeon.

There... a tweak here, a tweak there, a tweak here again, eventually I get it in the ballpark.  I'll leave it a little fast for now.

The finished watch looks fantastic, partly due to having a fresh crystal.  This is a sharp watch with an interesting design.  I like the shape of the lugs and the accents around the perimeter.