1955 Hamilton Automatic K-454 "Sputnik"

Serviced July 2019, excellent original silver dial with 18k gold applied hour marker dots and flush gold markers, polished 10k gold filled case, stainless steel screw down case back. Lightly worn brown genuine leather strap, alloy mainspring, high domed NOS acrylic crystal.

Made from 1955 through 1957, the Automatic K-454 became to be known commonly as the Sputnik. The K-454's unique dial with applied gold dots and flush gold markers that align with the lugs is reminiscent of the Soviet satellite that was launched in 1957 that it takes its nick name from. Unlike the Soviet Sputnik that orbited the earth, this Sputnik features a Swiss made 661 caliber automatic movement with 17 jewels. The original silver dial has very light patina, most noticeable near the 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30 positions. The painted Hamilton logo and the automatic and Swiss branding are excellent. The applied hour markers are 18k gold. The hands appear to be original and are in good condition with light patina. All but a small section of the lume is gone. There is no plate wear evident on the one piece 10k yellow gold filled case, but there is one small ding on the edge, near 9:30. The watch comes ready to wear on a vintage style, gently worn genuine leather two piece strap with gold tone buckle. The 661 automatic wind movement was serviced July 2019 and is running well and currently performing at +/- 28 seconds per day.

Size:

33.9mm bezel (excluding the crown)
11.7mm Tall
18mm Lug Width
40.7mm Tip to Tip

Case - Hand polished 10k gold filled one piece case, stainless steel screw down case back. No plate wear visible, one small ding to the edge of the bezel near 9:30.

Lugs - No plate wear on the lugs, including on the edges and tips.

Crystal - NOS high domed acrylic crystal installed during service.

Hands - Appear to be original with light patina. Lume material mostly gone.

Dial - Original silver dial with 18k applied gold dots and flush gold markers. Light patina evident at 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30 markers. Paint on the dial is in excellent condition.

Band - Lightly worn genuine leather two piece strap with gold tone buckle.

Movement - Swiss made Hamilton caliber 661, automatic wind, 17 jewels. Serviced July 2019. Runs strong and keeping excellent time.