Automatic K-507
1960–1961 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Automatic K-507
Made from 1960 through 1961, the Automatic K-507 is part of Hamilton's broad Automatic family of self-winding dress watches from that era. It runs on the caliber 661, a 17-jewel automatic movement, housed in a stainless steel round case. The dial is white with embossed silver numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12, embossed silver markers filling the remaining positions, and a sweep seconds hand. Hamilton marketed it as weatherproof, which was a common period claim for stainless steel cased automatics.
Surviving examples vary quite a bit in dial condition. The embossed construction gives the numerals and markers a slight three-dimensional quality that holds up well when the dial itself is clean, but any cracking or discoloration in the white finish is hard to miss against that light surface. Finding a clean one with the original lume still present in the markers, rather than stripped out by a previous cleaning, is worth the extra patience.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1960 catalog listed the K-507 at $79.50 on bracelet, describing it as a stainless steel case with white embossed numerals and luminous markers on a grey dial, and noting its weatherproof rating.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1960
1961
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the embossed numerals and markers. The raised construction can trap grime or show wear at the edges. Check the white dial finish for discoloration, cracking, or any signs of moisture damage. Confirm the lume in the markers is intact and not scooped out or flaking. |
| Crystal | The K-507 uses a round crystal. Check for deep scratches or chips at the edges. A heavily scratched crystal is replaceable, but confirm it's seated properly with no gaps around the bezel. |
| Movement | The caliber 661 is an automatic and should wind from normal wrist motion. Dried-out lubricants generate enough friction to stop even a healthy movement, so a watch sitting still on the wrist is a red flag. Ask whether it's been serviced, and if not, budget for one before daily wear. |
| Case | Inspect the case back for pry marks or tool damage. On some Hamilton automatics of this period the case opens through the crystal side rather than the back, and attempts to force the case back leave obvious gouging. Check the lugs for wear at the spring bar slots. |
| Crown | Wind the crown gently and feel for roughness or slipping. The crown on a weatherproof-rated model should seat firmly when pushed in. A loose or wobbly crown may mean a worn stem or damaged threads in the tube. |
The Movement
The caliber 661 is a 17-jewel automatic movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It winds from wrist motion through a rotating oscillating weight, so no daily manual winding is needed under normal wear. It's a solid, well-regarded movement, though like any automatic of this age it benefits from a full service to replace dried lubricants and check the winding mechanism.