Brand: Hamilton

Model: Aqua-Date Super Compressor 600 Automatic Diver ref. 64040-3; Swiss Made circa 1960s

Case: Solid stainless steel Brevet (patented) Super-Compressor case with screw-down back is approximately 36.5mm excluding the original cross-hatched crowns; top crown rotates the inner diver bezel and bottom crown winds and sets the watch

Bracelet: 18mm vintage-style stainless steel mesh bracelet (adjustable size via sliding clasp)

Movement: Hamilton cal. 64A (base ETA cal. 2472) self-winding automatic movement (17 jewels) with date; 18,000 BPH; Swiss Made

Features: Stunning original creamy silver sunburst dial with date display at 3 o'clock and strong yellow patina to the Tritium luminous elements; original Tritium handset with matching yellow patina; original black inner dive bezel with luminous triangle at 12 o'clock displays elapsed time and rotates via the top crown; solid stainless steel Super-Compressor case with original oversized crowns and great proportions; original tall domed acrylic crystal; cool retro mesh bracelet

Condition: Fantastic original condition overall with minor honest wear consistent with age and use; sharp stainless steel Super-Compressor case appears to be unpolished; crisp screw-down caseback remains clearly legible throughout with a few light tool marks; beautiful original silver sunburst dial has aged to a light cream color with attractive yellow patina to the Tritium luminous elements; excellent original Tritium handset with matching yellow patina

Other: The Super-Compressor case played an important role in the history of dive watches. Its innovative design utilizes a "compressor" system whereby the case becomes more watertight as the watch descends deeper. As atmospheric pressure increases, the caseback is compressed on the gaskets creating a tighter seal. The elapsed-time (ET) bezel rotates via the top crown and was less prone to accidental rotation than a standard external bezel. These were major selling points back in the 1960s and Super-Compressor watches stand tall as some of the most coveted dive watches today.  You can read more about these collectible Super-Compressor watches in a great guide assembled by our friends at Worn & Wound.

The iconic Hamilton Aqua-Date sports a killer silver sunburst dial with luminous hour markers and a matching luminous handset that includes a cool "lollipop" sweeping-seconds hand. We love the vintage look of the tall domed acrylic crystal, contrasting black inner diver bezel, and the strong yellow patina to the luminous elements! The classic patented Super-Compressor case with oversized crowns sits just right on the wrist and the retro-style mesh bracelet completes an overall sporty look that is versatile.