Chronomatic B
1968–1976 · Stainless
About the Chronomatic B
Made from 1968 through 1976, the Chronomatic B is built around the caliber 11, one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever produced. This was a joint development between Hamilton, Heuer, Breitling, and Buren, and its debut in 1969 was a genuine milestone in watchmaking. The Chronomatic B is part of Hamilton's Chronomatic line, which brought that landmark movement to market in several distinct case and dial configurations. The stainless steel round case, two-register dial, time zone display, and 1/5-second recorder track make this one of the more feature-complete examples in the family.
Dials on survivors tend to show their age around the edges and at the register subdials, so look carefully at those areas before buying. The time zone disc is a detail that often gets overlooked in listings, but its condition matters both functionally and aesthetically. Finding a clean, unpolished example with all the original dial features intact is genuinely satisfying given how much these were actually worn as sport and travel watches.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Chronomatic B as a self-winding chronograph with a two-register dial, 1/5-second recorder track, and time zone dial, pricing it at $295 in the 1972 catalog. That positioned it as a serious instrument watch, not a casual piece.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1970
1971
1972
1973
1975
1976
What to Look For
| Dial | Check both the main dial and the two subseconds registers for fading, spotting, or peeling at the edges. The time zone dial should be present and legible. The applied indices can separate or shift over decades, so look for anything sitting at an odd angle in photos. |
| Crystal | The Chronomatic B uses a domed crystal over a busy dial. Check for deep scratches or crazing that obscure the time zone track or recorder scale, as those are functional features, not just decorative ones. |
| Movement | The caliber 11 is an automatic chronograph, so it should wind from wrist motion. Dried lubricants are a real concern on any movement this age, and a chronograph with dried oil can generate enough friction to stop entirely. Make sure both the timekeeping and the chronograph function are tested before purchase. |
| Case | Straight lugs on a round case tend to survive polishing better than more complex profiles, but still inspect the lug edges and case flanks for over-buffing that has softened the original lines. The case back can be tricky to open on models from this era, which sometimes means a previous owner forced it. |
| Crown | There are typically two pushers and a crown on a chronograph of this type. Confirm all three operate smoothly and that the crown screws down or seats properly. A sticky or non-returning pusher usually points to a movement that needs service. |
The Movement
The caliber 11 is a 17-jewel automatic chronograph, notable for being among the first of its kind. It winds from rotor motion and runs the chronograph complication off an automatic base, which eliminated the need to manually wind a chronograph watch. The movement is well-supported for service parts given how many manufacturers used related versions, but it rewards careful work from someone familiar with its column wheel and clutch design.