1959 Montclair

It's been a while since I've found a new model that I haven't seen before.  That's getting harder and harder to do.  There are about 975 mechanical models in Hamilton's portfolio of US made wrist watches and I think I've documented 800+ of them.  So the remaining models are either very expensive or just uncommon.

I think uncommon watches are interesting.  Surely there is a reason or two why they're hard to find.  Perhaps they we unappealing to buyers at the time.  It could be that there were very similar but less expensive options in the lineup.  Maybe there was a production issue that limited the run... like the case maker had a problem with the design.  I wouldn't be surprised if simply the law of diminishing returns applied - every decade there were more and more models available in the lineup.  With so many options, some models were bound to be less chosen than others.

For example, in 1930 there were about 20 catalogued men's models to choose from.  In 1940 there were 32 models in Hamilton's men's wrist watches lineup.  By 1950 there were 46 men's models to choose from.  In 10 more years the men's lineup expanded to over 140 different models!  It's no wonder that some are harder to find than others.

One of the models included in the that long list of 140+ models is the 1959 Montclair.  It was produced through 1961.

The Montclair was available in 14K yellow gold or white gold - so that adds to it's potential obscurity.  It's a classic Hamilton model with a US-made Hamilton movement.

In 1960 the dial was changed slightly to add numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12.  So you will see two different varieties out in the wild, if you see one at all.

Oddly enough, in 1961 the dial went back to the 12-only option with markers in the other positions.  This means if you see a dial with 3-6-9-12 it's a 1962 model, otherwise if it has a H-logo it's a 1961 model, if not, it's a 1959 version.

My project watch has seen better days. It's in "is this worth saving?" condition.  It's obviously had water intrusion.  It's not working and I'm not even able to set the time.

The back of the case is engraved with a presentation recognizing 25 years of service - this is as sentiment representing a period when companies actually cared about the dedication of employees beyond only the C-suite. 25 years is a long time to work for a company - more than a quarter of someone's life.

This watch shows evidence of it's original bracelet, based on the grooves worn into the lugs.  I'm not a huge fan of bracelets for that reason - they can damage the lugs.  However this example isn't too bad but going with a strap is always a better option, in my opinion.

I removed the crystal with the presumption that this watch opens through the front.  However, that doesn't appear to be the situation.  It does afford a better look at the dial though and although the catalog says it's an embossed dial, it sure looks like the figures are applied gold markers and numerals.  I'd have to look at the back of the dial to be sure.

Very close inspection reveals a slight gap in the side opposite the crown where a case knife can be applied to remove the back.

Fortunately the owner of this watch was able to provide a donor movement, complete with a better dial and hands.

The back of the movement reveals a movement ring to secure the assembly in the case.  It's quite obvious that water got inside the movement and it might be salvageable (I've seen worse) but since I have a donor movement in better shape, I'll use that instead.

This caliber is a 730 movement.  It's identical to the 747 movement with the exception of using shock jewels at the balance.  Notice there is no serial number on the movement - Lancaster-made movements stopped having serial numbers in 1955.  So unless something varies by year on the outside of the case (like the dial options on this model), there's really no easy way to date a model to a specific year when it was produced for several years.

My donor movement looks largely identical with the exception of the rust.

Everything gets thoroughly cleaned before being reassembled with fresh lubrication in all the wear points.

The reassembled movement is ticking away with a good motion.  Even my camera shows the ticking motion with the blurred balance wheel.

It's running a smidgeon fast but that's no biggie. the regulator is set to run a little fast so a slight tweak back the center will slow the beat rate down.

And... voila!  The finished watch looks fantastic and definitely answers the "is this watch worth saving" question.  Looking very closely at the dial, I'd say it is embossed after all, as the figures appear to have a slight contour on the sides to indicate they're stamped in place versus applied solid gold markers.  Regardless, this a great looking watch now.