Pacermatic
1961–1962 · 10k White / Yellow Gold Filled · Automatic
About the Pacermatic
The Pacermatic was Made from 1961 through 1962, placing it in Hamilton's short-lived Pacer family of asymmetrical dress watches. It runs on the caliber 667, a 17-jewel automatic, and shares its bold asymmetrical case and dial shape with the broader Pacer line. The case is two-tone 10K white and yellow Gold Filled, giving it that distinctive two-color contrast that defined some of Hamilton's more adventurous designs of the early 1960s. The dial is silver with applied gold numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12, painted black markers, and gold dot indices, all read by a sweep seconds hand.
Finding one in honest, unpolished condition is the real challenge here. The asymmetrical case shape means any over-polishing tends to blur the crisp angles that make these watches visually interesting, and the two-tone gold-fill can wear unevenly on the high points. The dial is worth examining closely for any separation or loss on the applied numerals, as replacements simply do not exist.
From the Catalog
Hamilton positioned the Pacermatic as a distinctive automatic in its asymmetrical Pacer lineup, emphasizing the modern case design as much as the movement. The original retail price reflected its gold-filled case and automatic caliber, placing it in the upper tier of Hamilton's consumer offerings at the time.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1961
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the applied gold numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12. Any separation from the dial surface, corrosion at the base, or gaps between the numeral foot and the dial should factor into your assessment. The painted black markers should be crisp, not flaking or faded. Check that the silver finish is consistent and hasn't been touched up. |
| Crystal | The asymmetrical dial shape means a replacement crystal has to fit correctly, and off-the-shelf options may not align properly. Confirm the crystal sits flush and follows the dial contour without gaps or visible overhang. |
| Movement | The caliber 667 is an automatic, but oil dries and hardens in movements of this age. That friction buildup is enough to stop the rotor from doing its job, or to prevent the watch from running at all. A full service is the baseline expectation on any example that hasn't been recently worked on. |
| Case | Two-tone gold-fill wears differently on each layer, and the high points of the asymmetrical case are usually the first to show brass. Check the lugs and case edges carefully. Prefer an example with natural wear over one that's been buffed smooth, since polishing collapses the crisp geometry these cases rely on. |
| Crown | The asymmetrical case design limits how easily you can access the crown from a normal winding position. Make sure the crown threads correctly and winds with consistent resistance. A loose or slipping crown usually signals a worn stem and is worth flagging before purchase. |
The Movement
The caliber 667 is a 17-jewel automatic produced by Hamilton during the early 1960s. It winds through rotor motion during wear, so most owners never need to manually wind it, though hand-winding is possible. The movement has a reputation among watchmakers for being particular to reassemble, especially when it comes to aligning multiple wheels simultaneously during servicing, which makes finding a well-serviced example worth the effort.