Sea Scape III
1968–1969 · 10k RGP · Manual Wind
About the Sea Scape III
Made only in 1968, the Sea Scape III is a clean, circular dress watch from Hamilton's late-1960s catalog, powered by the caliber 688 manual wind movement. The case is 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate with swept lugs, and the dial is silver with applied indices and a sweep seconds hand. The Sea Scape III belongs to Hamilton's Sea Scape family, a line of water-adjacent models that leaned into a streamlined, modern aesthetic during the brand's transitional years.
Silver dials from this era can develop patina unevenly, so look closely at the surface under good light before committing. The applied indices are worth examining too, since they can come loose or show tarnish at the edges on watches that have not been well stored. Finding one in honest, original condition is satisfying given how briefly it was produced.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Sea Scape III with a choice of bracelet or strap, pricing the bracelet version at $69.50 and the strap version at $59.95 in 1968. The catalog described it simply by its case material and configuration, letting the clean design speak without additional editorial.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Inspect the silver dial for discoloration, spotting, or uneven patina. Check each applied index individually. Separation or tarnished markers are common on watches from this era that have been exposed to humidity. |
| Crystal | Look for deep scratches or crazing in the crystal. Replacements are available, but confirm the replacement is properly fitted and seated flush before purchase. |
| Movement | Ask when the caliber 688 was last serviced. Oil dries and hardens in movements of this age, and a manual wind that hasn't been serviced recently may run erratically or stop under normal winding. |
| Case | The 10K yellow RGP case should show the gold layer intact on the high-wear surfaces, particularly the lugs and case sides. Heavy wear through to the base metal reduces both appearance and value. |
| Crown | Test the crown carefully. On movements this age, the crown can detach from the stem if it has been pulled too hard in the past. Wind gently and confirm the crown threads on and off smoothly. |
The Movement
The caliber 688 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made in Hamilton's American production era. It runs on a traditional lever escapement and requires hand winding to keep time. The sweep seconds hand is driven directly from the movement, giving the dial a clean, uninterrupted look without a separate subseconds register.