It's hip to be square. I suppose if you wanted to have a complete collection of Hamilton models, you're easiest option would be to collect Hamilton automatics in square cases. You'd only have to find two watches... collection complete.
One would be a 1956 Automatic K-405 and the other would be a 1959 Thin-o-matic T-401.
I have had both sitting on a shelf, patiently waiting for some TLC and a trip to the spa.
The dirtier of the pair is a 1956 Automatic K-405, pictured on the left. The K-405 was produced for three years and since there are no serial numbers on the movement, there's no way to narrow down the year unless the back of the case has a presentation.
The K-405 was presented in a 10K yellow gold filled case and was available on either a strap or a bracelet. Either way it would set you back over $1,100 in today's dollars. The sterling silver dial features solid 18K gold markers in two different sizes. The dial also features a pearled track of gold dots so this would be a challenging dial to get refinished correctly. Because the dots are on the inside of the markers, the movement features a shorter second hand. It's shortness is exaggerated by the square shape of the bezel opening.
My project watch has tolerated a scratches crystal and a layer of old man funk for long enough. Today is it's lucky day and it will look much better after it's cleaned up a bit.
The case back is substantial and needs to be pretty deep in order to accommodate the thick Hamilton 661 movement tucked inside.
The dial has a patina in the upper corners and along the base, presumably from dirt squeezing in past the glass crystal. Overall it looks very good for a 70 year old watch and I see no signs that this dial has been refinished. All of the pearled dots look consistent.
The 661 movement is made by Kurth Freres (Certina) and is a chonky mass of precision. I like this movement, it's very solid and well designed. The movement looks very good and clear of any pior moisture penetration.
You could fit a small cup of soup in the case back (not really). I can see a few prior service marks inside so this watch did get some maintenance a few times over the years.
While all the parts are marinating in my ultrasonic cleaner, I will prep a new glass crystal for installation in the bezel.
One of the legs broke off the shock spring for balance and will need to be replaced. I can just remove the entire setting by removing the screw and replace it with a piece from a donor movement.
Everything is ready to be reassembled. I've done a few calendar movements lately and it's nice to not have any pesky springs or tiny parts to lose with this movement. This is very familiar territory for me.
The main movement is reassembled and ticking away with a nice motion. Once it checks out I can put the automatic framework and rotor back on.
Well this is a nice surprise - it doesn't get much better than this.
Everything is back together and looking even shinier now that it's been cleaned and oiled. Back into the case it goes.
Fresh lume, a new glass crystal and a proper fitting strap complete the restoration of this fine Hamilton automatic. I wonder why Hamilton only may a couple of square automatics? Maybe being square in the 1950s wasn't all that it's cracked up to be.
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