Hamilton GG-W-113

In October of 1964, the modern U.S. military field watch was born.

Since its inception, the MIL-W/GG-W-113 series has undergone various revisions, but has remained a benchmark of reliability and utilitarian simplicity. Produced by Benrus, Hamilton, Marathon and others, it was relied upon by U.S. and Canadian forces in various conflicts around the world for its legible dial, light weight, slim profile, and no-nonsense construction. 

While the other manufacturers cast their cases in plastic, Hamilton — the first manufacturer to receive the contract in 1964 — cast theirs in steel throughout the entire 30 years of production. The look of these watches remained more or less the same during this interval, in keeping with the utility of their design and construction. 

This particular GG-W-113 dates to 1974 and features a 34mm stainless steel case with an unsigned crown, a fixed bezel, an acrylic crystal, a matte-black tritium dial with white 'Arabic' and 'dart' indices, an inner 24-hour scale, a matching luminous 'syringe' handset, and a standard issue RAF-style pass-through green nylon strap with chrome hardware — completing the picture of a utilitarian watch made specifically for combat applications.

Powering the watch is a 15-jewel, manually-wound  Hamilton movement, hidden behind a caseback engraved with its issue date and government contract numbers. (Look closely and you'll notice the number "58" inscribed by hand above said engravings, possibly indicating a unit quartermaster's improvised attempt at keeping track of his issued watches!) In honest condition throughout, this is a true time capsule of a mil-spec tool. 

Whether you’re a serious collector of militaria, a watch nut, or a history buff, this Hamilton GG-W-113 is bound to pique your interest.

Hamilton is one of the great American watch stories — equal parts industry, invention, and style.

Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hamilton built its early reputation on something very unglamorous but deeply important: accuracy. The brand became known as “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy,” supplying timepieces that helped keep America’s rail network running safely and on schedule. From there, Hamilton expanded into military service, producing dependable watches for U.S. forces during both World Wars — a legacy that cemented its reputation for rugged, practical engineering.

But Hamilton wasn’t only about function. By the mid-20th century, the brand became a quiet powerhouse of design, producing some of the most elegant and modernist dress watches of the era — including ultra-thin, architectural pieces that could go toe-to-toe with far more expensive Swiss competition. Hollywood also played a role: Hamilton watches appeared on-screen for decades, giving the brand a rare blend of utility, credibility, and cultural cachet.

Today, Hamilton sits at a fascinating crossroads: an American-born icon with Swiss manufacturing muscle, still known for watches that feel purposeful, sharp, and genuinely wearable.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.