[Vintagehamiltons]

Hamilton K-454
catalogued 1955-1957
10K yellow gold fill with stainless steel back
17-jewel automatic movement by Buren
anti-magnetic, shock resistant, water resistant
35mm case diameter
38mm over the lugs
17mm strap width

The K-454 is cmmonly referred to as the "Sputnik" watch because of the futuristic dial design. Note how the markings on the dial give the illusion that the lugs pierce the case to hold the watch together. The hands have luminous inlays and the marker dots have it, as well. Also, the crown is recessed into the case for a smoother look.

 

[two21b]

It's interesting that it should be called a Sputnik. My first thought was of a nautical theme when I looked at the picture.

 

[Emiel Maier]

To my amazement I saw that on January 23rd a K-454 was sold on eBay for just $ 89.00 which is a bargain. (If I only knew it was on sale...:w00t

I have contacted the new owner and asked if he is willing to sell it.
He told me that he might as he has some overdue bills to pay.
I asked him his asking price and told me it is $ 275,00.
That would give him a 200% profit!!

I am currently negotiating with him about the price.
Can anybody give me an estimation what a reasonable price would be?

See pictures!

 

[Vintagehamiltons]

The average eBay selling price is $225, but one could be gotten for less without too much trouble.

 

[Emiel Maier]

Well Tom you made me curious!
Where can I obtain one without too much trouble? :confused1:

Let me give you a little update.
The seller says that the watch is rare to find and that this one is in a near mint condition.

I however got ahold of the original description when it first was offered on eBay.
I replied to him and toned the statement that it is in a near mint condition down.

"I have looked closer at the pictures and description and I would not say it is in near mint condition. The description of the previous owner says that it is in good condition. There is average wear,bezel has some scratches,crown should be replaced as it is been regrooved. The movement is in running condition, though it could use a service. The hands (at closer look) need work as they are in an average condition. It will cost me a large amount of money to have all these things fixed and restored.".

His reaction was: " It's really just the crown and a green spot on the rim of the bezel that are the imperfections, as the movement keeps acceptable time and it looks flawless on the wrist. I'm going to get a replacement crown and a new crystal before selling."

Tom, would $ 225 justify this purchase, or is there an alternative?

 

[Vintagehamiltons]

Emiel,

I didn't say you could obtain a K-454 without too much trouble. I said "one could be gotten for less without too much trouble"

We're in a recession, and folks are selling their valuables on eBay, coin shops, & to gold buyers, so it shouldn't be difficult to spend less than $225 for one. There are now more than 100 additional Hamilton wristwatch listings on eBay at any given time than there were 4-6 weeks ago. Several recent sales were for less than $150. If you keep going through the listings, a bargain may be found. One reason my collection stands at over 150 watches is that I bought nearly everything that appealed to me (and was affordable) my first five years of collecting. I've looked at tens of thousands of Hamilton eBay listings, and you know what? Nearly every model I bought that that had minor issues - a superior example could have been acquired at a later date for almost the same money if I had only been more patient. If you have any doubts, pass on it. I guarantee a better one will be found. Good luck, it's a cool-looking watch!

 

[Emiel Maier]

Hi Tom,

I fully understand what you are saying. I guess I have to admit that I am eager to buy it, instead of being patient. But your posting has put me with both feet on the ground again.
The problem is is that I am solely depending on eBay, as I cannot visit coin shops or gold buyers. I live in The Netherlands and Hamilton watches are very difficult to find in Europe. I guess the reason for this is that Hamilton is a typical American watch. Maybe in Europe there was too much competition from Swiss manufacturers that dominated the market overhere.

European watches are - in my humble opinion - a bit conservative. While Richard Arbib (and the rest of the Hamilton designer team) designed some really cool watches. It really reflects the early post World War II years, when everything was okay! I am fan of those type of watches.:thumbup1:

Your remark about the recession is also a thing I am very curious about.
I was wondering, but you say that you noticed more watch listings on eBay than 4 to 6 weeks ago. So it is really a fact that more and more people are selling their (spare?) watches to obtain some money? I guess prices will drop soon as the group of buyers is slowly decreasing.
Therefor I have to be patient and wait for that Sputnik to show up...:cool1:

 

[Vintagehamiltons]

I'm not completely sure why, but around 4 years ago there were roughly 900 Hamilton wristwatches listed on eBay on a daily basis and they were selling for high prices. Then, prices dropped and the quantity slowly dropped down to the 600 level by early 2008. Since then it has crept up to the 800 level, but final sales prices are still somewhat depressed, except for the highly collectible, scarce models which can still bring a premium price.

 

[Hamilton Man]

I'm looking for an original curved expansion bracelet for my K-454. I believe it was made by Kreisler but not positive on this. Appreciate any leads!

Hamilton Man

 

[Grumpyguy]

look for timesaplenty on ebay. They sell NOS bracelets.

 

[CometHunter]

Actually, it's timesofplenty

 

[Grumpyguy]

darn iPhone keyboard. Yup Timesofplenty. Of course if you just search for the specific band on eBay, there are other vendors as well.

Actually, it's timesofplenty