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There are many reasons why Hamilton is regarded by watch enthusiasts as the American counterpart to the Swiss Patek Philippe. The parallels between these two watch manufacturers were equally evident during the Post-War Era as well.  During the late 1950’s, both firms stunned the world with groundbreaking watch designs, based on asymmetry. The masterminds behind these revolutionary models were Albert Gilbert, the celebrated case designer for Patek Philippe and Richard Arbib, who, from 1957 on, created for Hamilton a series of watches that were radical. These coveted watches were unique not only because of their Space-Age inspired shapes, but – as in the case of Hamilton – also because most of these were powered by electric movements. Arbib’s great influence extended to a handful of equally non-conventional Hamilton models, which used traditional mechanisms.

The Sea Ranger, produced for only 2 years, is one such example. Sold as a weatherproof watch, its case combines two differing shapes into a completely new form. A cushion-like upper half of the case transitions seamlessly into a perfectly oval lower portion. The asymmetry continues to the lug design, with one pair being shorter and more faceted, while the other is longer and straight. The subtler asymmetry of the Sea Ranger makes this model more versatile than its more dramatic siblings, lending it a flair of both elegance and sporty casualness.

The 10K gold-filled case, 39mm long and 28mm wide, is in its original unpolished condition. The applied hour indicators, are solid gold, which is a trademark characteristic of all Hamilton models. The manually wound movement, marked Hamilton 770, USA, rounds up the list of unusual features of this watch. The 22 jewels that are included in this movement caliber are more than the recommended amount of 17.