M 79-3
1964 · 10k RGP
About the M 79-3
Made in 1964, the M 79-3 is part of Hamilton's M Series, a line of dress-oriented watches built around accessible price points without sacrificing clean styling. The case is 10k rolled gold plate, and the watch runs on the caliber 688, a Swiss-made manual wind movement that Hamilton relied on heavily through the mid-1960s. Applied indices give the dial a refined look that punches a bit above its price class.
Finding one with the dial in good shape takes some patience. Rolled Gold Plate cases from this era can show wear through to the base metal at the lugs and case edges, so condition varies considerably. The applied indices are worth inspecting closely, as any that have separated or shifted will affect both the look and the collectibility of the piece.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the M 79-3 at $79.50 in 1964, describing it simply as a 10k yellow rolled gold plate model. The original listing also noted waterproof and shock resistant ratings, features that reflected Hamilton's effort to position even its more modestly priced pieces as capable everyday watches.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the applied indices carefully. Any that are loose, tilted, or missing will be noticeable and difficult to correct without a proper service. Look for spotting, fading, or moisture damage under the crystal as well. |
| Crystal | Inspect for deep scratches or crazing. Replacement crystals are generally available, but a heavily damaged crystal can obscure dial condition until you're already committed to the purchase. |
| Movement | The caliber 688 is a manual wind. Oil dries and hardens in movements of this age, and that friction alone can be enough to stop the watch or cause it to run poorly. A watch that seems to run fine on the winder may still need a full service to run reliably. |
| Case | 10k rolled gold plate wears through over time, especially at the lugs and high contact points on the case back. Look closely at those areas in good light. Light wear is expected; worn through to bare metal is a different story and affects value. |
| Crown | Tug the crown gently before purchasing if possible. On movements of this age, the crown can separate from the stem if pulled too firmly, which turns a simple crown replacement into a more involved repair. |
The Movement
The caliber 688 is a Swiss-made manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a range of dress models in the 1960s. It winds from the crown and runs without a rotor, so you feel the mainspring engage as you wind. At its jewel count and size, it's a straightforward workhorse movement, reliable when properly serviced and well-suited to the slim case profile of the M Series.