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Thanks for visiting my vintage Hamilton watch blog. I like to restore US-made Hamilton wrist watches back to their original glory and share my experiences with other enthusiasts. Use the "Search" space below if you know what model you're looking for. Feel free to leave polite comments or questions in the spaces provided. Also check out my "watches for sale" on my Etsy site - the link is on the right, just below.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

1959 Thor & 1963 Thor II

In the late 1950's and early 1960's Hamilton introduced a variety of "space age" watch designs that coincided with the United States' space program.  These watches are known as "Asymmetrics" and they often got space-inspired names (but not always).  Most asymmetric models also featured the electric movements like the 500, 500A or 505.  However, there are also a few asymetric models that featured mechanical or automatic movements.

A good example of a mechanical asymmetric is the 1959 Thor.  It was only produced for three years and was discontinued in 1961.  However, a similar model, the Thor II was introduced in 1963 and produced for two years.


The original Thor came in a gold filled case in either white or yellow gold.  It also featured the 22 jewel, 12/0 sized 770 movement.

Dial options varied... yellow cased models got a butler finished white dial with solid gold numerals and markers.  White cases models could get the white dial or a black finished dial with rhodium plated gold numerals and markers.

The Thor II is very similar except the dial only has numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 (in a different font design) and under the dial is a Swiss-made movement.


Here's a couple of wrist shots of Thors - the first is a yellow model on my relatively hair-free arm.  The latter is a white model courtesy of the apparently much hairier, Tom Diss.



And here's a nice example of a Thor II courtesy of another Hamilton-collecting friend, Dave McCamon




14 comments:

  1. Nice work! Thanks to you, I now know that what I'm wearing is a Thor2 with original multicolor band :)

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  2. I have a need for the bottom lug on a Thor 2 .......help

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    Replies
    1. A talented gold smith or jeweler might be able to fashion something for you. Otherwise you'll need a new case.

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  3. Hello thanks for info on the Hamilton Thor. My father owns the 1959 Thor, he claims he purchased it for $350. Today it is still running, and is in great shape, do you have any idea what the value is ? Thanks

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  4. Look on eBay for "sold" auctions and you'll get an idea of what they will sell for. $500 +/- $100 is a typical price, depending on condition and originality.

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  5. I have a movement, dial and crystal. I'm looking for a case for it if someone might have it. Long shot, I know.

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    Replies
    1. That's a long shot for sure. You could keep an eye on eBay. Eventually a Thor with a crappy dial will show up and you'll be halfway there.

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  6. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement band?

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  7. I am in need of a Thor case .I have the movement new crystal no case

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    Replies
    1. Look on eBay, maybe you’ll find something in need of a better dial or crystal

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  8. i have a 1959 thor for sell with the box itcame in 400$

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    Replies
    1. I am interested in purchasing yout Thor. Poc is pdxcoseo@msn.com

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  9. I have what I think is a Thor watch. All the photos I see have the little crossbar above the 6 but mine has more of a watch face hashed out with bigger marks at the 12, 2, 4 ect. Can you tell me what I may have? It is 10k gold filled marked. Thank you.

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