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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Electric wristwatch

Hamilton Electric 505 stainless steel wristwatch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this Hamilton Electric wristwatch features a stainless steel case measuring 33.53 mm excluding the crown, fitted to a later replacement leather strap. The light dial is signed with the Hamilton name, stylized 'H' logo, and script 'Electric' designation, featuring black Arabic hour numerals, an outer minute track, dark hands, and a red sweep seconds hand. The source reports the watch houses a Hamilton caliber 505 battery-driven balance wheel movement signed 'Hamilton, Patented, U.S.A.', which was noted as running intermittently.

Front view of the Hamilton Electric wristwatch showing dial, hands, and case on display stand
Front view of the Hamilton Electric wristwatch showing dial, hands, and case on display stand — Sphere Auctions LLC. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Wristwatch · Electric wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0460
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
U.S.A.

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Exterior Design

According to the catalog, the watch features a stainless steel case measuring 33.53 mm excluding the crown, and is reported to be signed Hamilton. Visible inspection shows straight lugs holding a dark textured leather strap, which the source describes as a later replacement.

A winding or setting crown is positioned at approximately the 4:30 position. Interior case markings and specific reference engravings are not documented in the source or visible in the primary photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “The stainless steel case is signed Hamilton and measures 33.53mm excluding the crown.”
  • “Small winding or setting crown located at approximately the 4:30 position.”
  • “The watch comes on a leather strap, a later replacement.”

Dial and Hands

The light-colored circular dial features full black Arabic hour numerals and an outer dot or dash minute track. The source describes the dial as signed 'Hamilton' with an 'H' logo and script 'Electric' designation.

Time is indicated by dark hands alongside a red sweep seconds hand. Visible inspection shows the red sweep seconds hand includes an angular counterweight or lightning-style detail.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is signed Hamilton with the H logo and script Electric text, black Arabic numerals, and a red sweep seconds hand.”
  • “Light-colored circular dial with full black Arabic numeral hour numerals and dot or dash minute track.”
  • “Red sweep seconds hand with an angular counterweight or lightning-style detail.”

Movement and Reported Operational Status

The auctioneer reports that the timepiece contains a Hamilton caliber 505 movement signed 'Hamilton, Patented, U.S.A.', which uses a battery to drive a balance wheel rather than a traditional mainspring. The description further notes that a modern mercury-free replacement cell is currently installed.

The source states the watch 'currently starts and stops intermittently', suggesting this is commonly caused by worn contacts and that it will require servicing to run reliably. Because internal components are not visible in the photo, the movement caliber, signatures, and internal mechanical condition are reported solely based on the auction listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “This example houses the caliber 505 movement, signed Hamilton, Patented, U.S.A., which uses a battery to drive the balance wheel instead of a traditional mainspring.”
  • “It currently has a modern mercury-free replacement cell installed.”
  • “This watch currently starts and stops intermittently, a common issue on Hamilton Electric movements typically caused by worn contacts, and will need servicing by someone experienced with these movements to run reliably.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Hamilton model name or reference number corresponds to this stainless steel case and dial configuration?
  • What markings, reference numbers, or serials are stamped on the interior of the caseback?
  • What is the physical condition of the movement contact wires and balance assembly upon internal inspection?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Electric 505 stainless steel wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement CaliberCaliber 505“This example houses the caliber 505 movement, signed Hamilton, Patented, U.S.A.”
Case MaterialStainless steel“The stainless steel case is signed Hamilton and measures 33.53mm excluding the crown.”
Case Diameter33.53 mm“measures 33.53mm excluding the crown”
Seconds HandRed sweep seconds hand“a red sweep seconds hand”
StrapLeather replacement strap“The watch comes on a leather strap, a later replacement.”
Movement Signing (reported)Hamilton, Patented, U.S.A.“signed Hamilton, Patented, U.S.A.”
Battery CellModern mercury-free replacement cell installed“It currently has a modern mercury-free replacement cell installed.”
Case Signing (reported)Signed Hamilton“The stainless steel case is signed Hamilton”

Visible details

  • Light-colored circular dial with full black Arabic numeral hour numerals and dot or dash minute track.
  • Small winding or setting crown located at approximately the 4:30 position.
  • Dark textured leather strap attached to straight lugs.
  • Red sweep seconds hand with an angular counterweight or lightning-style detail.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case markings are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Auctioneer reports the movement runs intermittently and will require servicing, likely due to worn contacts.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Vintage Hamilton Electric 505 Stainless Steel Wristwatch Early Battery Powered - Aug 14, 2026 | Sphere Auctions Llc In Wi

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b574f3af5e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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