Astramatic II
1957 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Automatic
About the Astramatic II
Made only in 1957, the Astramatic II was part of Hamilton's Masterpiece Series, positioned at the upper end of the catalog with a 14K yellow gold case and a silver dial set with 14K gold markers and a pearled chapter ring. The Astramatic family sits within Hamilton's early automatic lineup, and the II was the more refined companion to the Astramatic I. Power comes from the caliber 664, a 25-jewel automatic with sweep seconds. The Silhouette hands are a distinctive detail, with luminous material applied to the underside rather than the face, giving the dial a clean, uncluttered look in daylight.
The silver dial is the first thing to scrutinize on any example. Silver dials are prone to oxidation and spotting, and a dial that has been refinished loses much of its period character and collector value. The pearled track and applied gold markers should show even, original patina rather than the flat uniformity of a redone surface.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Astramatic II as part of its Masterpiece Series, highlighting the 14K yellow gold case, the sterling silver dial with 14K gold markers and pearled track, and the Silhouette hands with luminous undersides. It retailed for $200 in 1957, a price that placed it firmly among Hamilton's most serious dress offerings that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1957
What to Look For
| Dial | Silver dials oxidize. Look for even aging rather than pitting, dark spots, or the overly uniform appearance of a refinished dial. The 14K gold markers and pearled chapter ring should have consistent patina. Any signs of reluming or repainting around the hands are worth questioning. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing. A replacement crystal is easy enough to address, but the profile should suit a dress watch of this era, so confirm any replacement was fitted thoughtfully. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The caliber 664 is a capable 25-jewel automatic, but dried oil is a genuine concern on any example that has sat unserviced. Dried lubricants create enough friction to stop the movement or cause irregular timekeeping. A watch that winds and runs smoothly through the day is a good sign, but a recent service with documentation is better. |
| Case | This is a 14K yellow gold case, so look at the lugs carefully. Gold wears and the swept lugs on this case are a natural contact point. Heavy polishing over the years can soften the lines. Sharp lug edges and crisp case geometry suggest a well-preserved example. |
| Crown | The original crown should be sized and styled appropriately for the case. Replacement crowns are common on vintage watches, so confirm it matches the period design. The crown engages the winding and setting functions, so check that both work smoothly without slipping. |
The Movement
The caliber 664 is a 25-jewel automatic movement, made during the period when Hamilton was producing some of its most refined American-made calibers. It winds through a rotor and drives a sweep seconds hand, making it both practical to wear daily and pleasant to watch through a display back if the case allows. Twenty-five jewels was a high count for the era and reflects the Masterpiece Series positioning of the watch it powered.