Sea Guard II
1964–1967 · SS · Manual Wind
About the Sea Guard II
Made from 1964 through 1967, the Sea Guard II is a manual-wind sport watch built around Hamilton's caliber 688 and cased in stainless steel with a matching stainless bracelet. The swept lugs and clean silver dial give it a classic 1960s sport watch look without being fussy about it. Hamilton marketed it as waterproof and dustproof with seals intact, and shock-resistant, positioning it as a capable everyday watch at a practical price point.
Finding one in solid condition is genuinely satisfying because these were working watches, bought to be worn, and many have the miles to show it. The silver dial with painted black markers and applied indices holds up well when it's been protected from moisture, but dial condition is the first thing worth examining closely. Bracelet-and-case sets that have stayed together are harder to come by than the watch alone.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Sea Guard II as a stainless steel case and bracelet combination at $59.95 in 1964, advertising it as both waterproof-dustproof and shock-resistant. That was a competitive price for a sport watch with a matching bracelet, and it reflects Hamilton's intent to put a capable everyday piece within reach of a broad buyer.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
1965
1966
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the silver dial for moisture damage, spotting, or lifting around the applied indices. Painted markers can wear or chip, and any sign of water intrusion usually shows up here first. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips around the edges. A cloudy or crazed crystal is easy to replace, but it's a good indicator of how the watch has been stored and handled. |
| Movement | Wind the watch and let it run. Dried oil builds up enough friction to stop a movement or cause it to run erratically, so a watch that winds smoothly but won't run consistently is overdue for service. |
| Case | The stainless case should be examined for deep gouges or signs of polishing that has softened the original lines. The case back can be tricky to open, so look for evidence of case back damage from improper tools. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently to check that it engages properly for setting. The crown can detach from the stem if it has been pulled too hard in the past, so make sure it moves in and out cleanly and seats firmly. |
The Movement
The caliber 688 is a 17-jewel manual-wind movement with a sweep seconds hand, meaning the seconds hand runs off the center of the dial rather than a subseconds dial at 6 o'clock. It's a straightforward, robust movement of the era, not complicated to service but deserving of fresh oil and attention like any watch that has been sitting for years.