1969 61008-3

My last post was on the Color Classic line and today's post is on a very similar model but I'm not sure it's part of the same line.

The Color Classic M3 came in a gold electroplate case with stainless steel back along with a brown dial.

A very similar model is shown in the 1969 catalog but it has the addition of a sweep second hand.  It's shown as reference number 61008-3.  Other than the addition of the second hand, the two models are very similar. 

Although the catalog depiction of the M3 appears to show a variegated brown dial, the photo of my friend's M3 looks to be pretty consistently brown, as compared to the red M4 next to it.

With the addition of the sweep second hand, the 61008-3 must surely utilize a different caliber inside and very likely has a different dial to accommodate the dial feet locations.

My project was it the 61008-3 and you can see that it's definitely different than a M3.  To my eye the Roman numerals are very similar to the M3 but I don't think they share the exact same dial finish.  I think I'd have to have the two side by side to compare for sure.

Check this out... the model number on the back says 61008-4.  That makes more sense to me as -3 is typically reserved for stainless steel cases and -4 is used for plated cases.  -2 is solid 14K gold and if I recall correctly, -1 is solid 18K.  Since this case gold electroplate the -4 is appropriate but perhaps the -3 in the catalog was driven by the stainless steel back?

Just like the M2 I restored the other day, this example has a three piece case.  The bezel pops off to reveal the dial and once the case clamps on the reverse are removed the dial and movement will come out the front.  I'll offer a quick prayer to St Peter the Apostle, the patron saint of watch and clock makers, to ask for his intercession that I don't goof up this really cool looking dial.  I don't think it could ever be refinished properly.

This watch still has it's Hamilton crown and this case design is a little different than the M2 I just did.  This watch has a stem tube through the case center while the M2 had a slot for the stem with a corresponding slot in the bezel.

The stainless steel back just pops off as well to reveal the Caliber 61 tucked within the case.  If this movement looks familiar it because it's the same ETA design used in other Hamilton models at the time like the 688.  Two screws are loosened in order to remove the case clamps holding the movement in place.  I'll have to remove the stem too to lift the movement out the front.

With the dial and hands out of the way you can see this is very familiar territory.  Almost every ETA movement, stem wound or automatic, looks like this design.

Everything is cleaned and dried before being reassembled.

It doesn't look like it, but this movement is ticking away with a fine motion.

Everything looks fine but the beat error is so easy to adjust that I will quickly improve it even further.

A couple of minor tweaks to the position of the hairspring stud brings the beat error to near zero.  I'll leave it running a smidgeon fast.

The finished watch looks as good as it runs and although the brown strap isn't original, it's a very good pairing.  This is probably not the best choice for an everyday watch but would be perfect for that special occasion like visiting Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.