Rare 1974 Hamilton W10 'Geneve' 6bb RAF issue
Rare watch in beautiful condition
£985.00
Out of stock
The Hamilton W10 was produced as the standard MoD field watch from 1971-1975 when CWC took over the contract and continued to supply their version to MoD up to 1980, when it was superseded by the quartz G10.
This type of watch is generally known as the 'W10' because the majority supplied were against Army contracts (around 25000 in 1973 alone) with the army service code 'W10' marked on the back. The nickname is applied to all versions of these watches including the 1976-80 CWC version and the versions supplied against RAF and Royal Navy contracts, which (confusingly) have different services codes marked on the back.
The W10 has a solid stainless steel 'tonneau' (barrel-shaped) monocoque case, with no removable back. The movement, dial and hands are fitted and removed from the front (known as a 'front-loader'). To remove the movement the crystal has to be lifted off and the outer stem and crown detached. The two-piece stem which facilitates this arrangement is a common weak point in the W10s, with the original crowns often lost.
The 'Geneve' dialled Hamilton W10s are otherwise identical to other non-Geneve W10s, and were produced only in 1974 and 1975, in relatively small numbers and only for the RAF and Royal Navy.
The Hamilton W10 is powered by the reliable and accurate Hamilton cal. 649 - basically a Hamilton-signed version of the standard ETA 2750 hand winding 17 jewel mechanical movement, with a different balance wheel to most civilian ETA 2750s and with hacking seconds.
This example is a 1974 'Geneve'-dialled RAF issued version with the aircrew equipment designation 6bb (some were also issued with '6BB' instead), of which just 3700 were issued.
It's in lovely condition and recently serviced, as detailed in the condition report.
The monocoque case is in very clean cosmetic condition with minor marks and small knocks from use. The case back is excellent, and the inside of the case looks like new. The dial and hands are excellent with minor related spotting to the hands. The crystal is the original 'top hat' profile crystal with matte tension ring, and is in good condition. Please refer to the images to make your own judgement about the condition of the watch.
Mechanically the watch had full stripdown, clean and service, including new mainspring, in November 2025. The case was ultrasonically cleaned. The original Hamilton cal 649 movement (ETA 2750) movement was fully stripped, with all parts cleaned and rinsed mechanically and ultrasonically in waterless solutions and hot air dried. The movement was reassembled, lubricated and regulated. The mainspring was replaced during service.
Amplitude is 290+ degrees, beat error is 0.0ms and accuracy is within a few seconds per day (measured under bench conditions following service - subsequent accuracy in use may differ from this). The service was photo documented and images have been added to the listing, including an image of the watch on the timegrapher showing the readings. The watch hacks and adjusts correctly from the crown.
Please note that the design of this watch includes a split stem arrangement. If too much force is used when pulling the crown to hack or adjust the time it is possible to detach the outer stem and crown, so care should be taken. If the crown does detach it is not a major issue as it can easily be refitted.
The watch is absolutely suitable for everyday use, but it is vintage watch so is not recommended for sports or use in extreme conditions. The watch has not been pressure tested so water resistance is not guaranteed. This watch is covered by our non-waterproof 6 month guarantee.
Issued: Yes
Issue details: UK, Royal Air Force
Date of manufacture: 1974
Rarity: 3700 issued
Movement: Hamilton cal 649 (ETA2750)
Diameter: 36mm
Lug width: 18mm
Hacking: Yes
Case back: N/A monocoque case
Screwdown crown: No
Bracelet: NATO
Rare RAF issue 'Geneve' dial W10
3700 issued
Hamilton cal 649 movement
Recently serviced
Lovely condition
Supplied on new quality heat-welded NATO strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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