Sea Breeze II
1966–1969 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Sea Breeze II
Made from 1966 through 1969, the Sea Breeze II pairs Hamilton's caliber 688 manual wind movement with a 10K yellow Gold Filled and stainless steel case in a clean, round profile just 9mm thick. The dial came in silver with applied gold stick markers, a spare, legible layout that suited the watch's sport-leaning identity without overcomplicating it. The Sea Breeze II is part of Hamilton's broader lineup of water-resistant sport watches from the mid-to-late 1960s, a family built around practical features and straightforward good looks.
Silver dials on watches from this era can show light patina or fading near the edges, so condition varies considerably from example to example. The applied gold stick markers are worth examining closely, any that have separated, shifted, or gone missing will affect both legibility and value. Cases in 10K yellow RGP and stainless tend to hold up reasonably well, but check the plating on the top surfaces of the case for wear, especially around the lugs.
From the Catalog
Hamilton marketed the Sea Breeze II in 1966 with emphasis on its practical credentials: shock resistance, anti-magnetic construction, an unbreakable mainspring, and waterproof and dustproof protection with seals intact. It retailed for $65 in that first catalog year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1966
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the applied gold stick markers. They should sit flat and evenly spaced. Any separation from the dial, gaps at the base, or missing markers are worth factoring into your assessment. The silver dial surface should be consistent in tone, uneven fading or spots of discoloration around the edges are common and worth noting before you buy. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips. A hazy or heavily scratched crystal can usually be replaced, but confirm the correct size is still available before assuming it's an easy fix. |
| Movement | Dried lubricants in a movement this old build enough friction to cause erratic timekeeping or full stoppages. Ask when the caliber 688 was last serviced. If the answer is unclear or it's been more than five years, budget for a service before putting it on your wrist regularly. |
| Case | The 10K yellow RGP surfaces wear over time, especially on the high points of the lugs and case flanks. Check for plating loss that exposes the stainless base metal underneath. Some wear is expected on a watch this old, but heavier loss changes the look significantly. Also note that the original waterproofing rating no longer applies, the gaskets and seals are decades old and should be treated accordingly. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently to set the time and note whether it feels secure. Crowns on vintage Hamiltons can detach from the stem if the stem threads are worn or the stem is already partially loose. A wobbling or stiff crown is a sign the movement needs attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 688 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement built for dependability in a slim package. It winds by hand through the crown and keeps time through a straightforward lever escapement, no rotor, no quick-set complications, just a solid workhorse movement that Hamilton used across several sport-oriented models in the 1960s. At this age, regular servicing keeps it running well, and parts remain serviceable.