Automatic K-408
1958–1959 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Automatic
About the Automatic K-408
Made from 1958 through 1959, the Automatic K-408 is a clean, round-cased automatic from Hamilton's Automatic family, running on the caliber 661 with 17 jewels. The 10K yellow Gold Filled case pairs well with a white dial featuring embossed gold numerals at the even hours and embossed gold markers throughout, finished with luminous dots and a pearled chapter ring. The Sir Echo is a closely related model worth knowing if the K-408 is on your radar. Hamilton originally offered the K-408 with either a strap or a bracelet, which accounts for some of the price variation you see on the period catalogs.
Surviving examples tend to show the expected wear for a Gold Filled case from the late 1950s, so pay close attention to the case edges and lug tips where plating thins first. The dial is where this watch really lives or dies: the embossed numerals and markers with their gold highlights and pearled track give it a quiet richness that flat-printed dials just don't have, and damage or refinishing kills that character entirely. A known dial variant with a radial finish and textured surface turns up occasionally, and that version has its own distinct look worth seeking out.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the K-408 at $89.50 on strap and $95.00 on bracelet in 1958, describing it as a 17-jewel, 10K yellow gold-filled automatic with embossed yellow numerals and markers, luminous dots, a pearled chapter ring, and waterproof construction.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1958
1959
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the embossed numerals and markers. The gold highlights on the raised elements are easy to damage during improper cleaning, and a refinished dial will have lost the texture and dimensional quality entirely. Check the pearled chapter ring for gaps or separation, and inspect the luminous dots for discoloration or missing material. |
| Crystal | The K-408 uses a plastic crystal. Scratches are expected and a replacement crystal is a straightforward fix, but confirm it's properly seated and not separating at the edge, which can let moisture in. |
| Movement | Oil dries and thickens on unserviced automatics, and enough friction can build up to stop the movement or prevent the rotor from winding the mainspring. Ask about service history and confirm the watch is actually running and keeping reasonable time before committing. |
| Case | Check the lug tips and case edges for wear-through on the gold fill. Some wear is normal on a 60-plus-year-old piece, but heavily worn areas that expose the base metal affect both appearance and value. Also note: the original waterproof rating is not something to rely on today. Keep it away from water. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently through its positions and confirm it moves smoothly into hand-setting position. A crown that spins freely or won't engage the setting mechanism usually points to a worn or damaged stem. |
The Movement
The caliber 661 is a 17-jewel automatic movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It winds through a bidirectional rotor and keeps time via a lever escapement, meaning it self-winds through normal wear on the wrist. It's a straightforward and reliable movement when properly serviced, though like any automatic from this era it needs fresh oil to run well.