The 8212 is a vintage quartz watch sized at 19x28mm, its case is frequently described as "Baignoire-style" in secondary markets. It is essential to clarify that Hamilton never produced an official "Baignoire" model, and any use of that term in vintage listings is purely descriptive, referring to the case's elliptical, bathtub-like shape that mimics the famous Cartier design.
Established in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892, Hamilton's pocket watches are an essential instrument of American industrial expansion. Its initial reputation as "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy" was earned by producing pocket watches of such reliability that they became critical tools for synchronizing the nation's railways. Their legacy was further solidified during World War II, when Hamilton ceased all civilian production to supply over one million timepieces to the U.S. military, creating the utilitarian design template for its iconic Khaki Field collection.
In the post-war era, Hamilton introduced one of the world's first battery-powered electric watch in 1957—housed in the landmark, asymmetric Ventura—and later debuting the Pulsar, the first-ever digital electronic watch. This history of American innovation is now paired with Swiss manufacturing as part of the Swatch Group.
Overall Grade: 7.5 / 10 | Good Condition, Medium Wear Production: est. 1990's Contents: Watch Only Genre: Dress Watch
Size: approx. 19x28mm Thickness: approx. 6mm Lug Width: approx. 12mm
Case: Gold-plated stainless steel, mirrored, medium wear Bezel: Gold-plated, fixed, mirrored finish, medium wear Dial: White dial, printed Roman numerals, visible wear Hands: Black sword hands
Crown: Gold-plated, push/pull crown, medium wear Crystal: Mineral crystal, medium wear Bracelet: Black leather strap, medium wear Caseback: Stainless steel, solid, snap-on, medium wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: ETA Ebauche