The Hamilton Watch Company didn't just make watches, well, at least not in its later years. Hamilton made an interesting variety of precision things, including fuses for the military. You will also find clocks made by Hamilton, mostly in the 1960s or later.
A long time ago I purchased a Hamilton clock with very mid century modern lines. It's about 8 inches square. It caught my eye because the raised gold numerals are very reminiscent of Hamilton's watches. Unfortunately I was never able to get it to work properly but at least it's correct two times a day.
The bold H logo that Hamilton used is often attributed to the Huguenin Freres - a Swiss watch company that Hamilton purchased in the late 1950s. Interestingly, I think it may be the other way around. The earliest use of the stylized H logo that I've seen came from the June 1956 Timely Topics newsletter issued by the Hamilton Watch Company. I believe Huguenin watches started to use this stylized logo on their watches after the acquisition.
One watch that could have definitely inspired the mantle clock is the 1958 Drummond. This mid-grade model was produced through 1962 and features a US-made 17 jewel 8/0 sized movement, the 730 caliber. It features a 10K yellow gold filled bezel with a stainless steel back. In 1958 and 59 you could purchase the watch on a strap or on a bracelet with lizard insterts.
In 1960 the bracelet was switched to a different style and the price increased slightly. This bracelet option continued through 1962.
The Drummond is a very simple but elegant design. The sterling silver dial features solid 14K sans serif numerals.
My Drummond project watch is in the typical "as found in the drawer" condition... no strap and a thin layer of funk around the edges. The crystal is a bit scratched and the dial has some spotting around the perimeter but nothing too distracting. You'll have spots too when you're pushing 70 years old.
The stainless steel back snaps onto the bezel cleanly and protects the movement tucked inside.
The 17 jewel 730 movement is an upgraded version of the 747 movement introduced in the 1940s. The 730 came out in 1955 and features shock protection for the balance staff - otherwise everything else is interchangeable with the 747. The 730 would evolve again in the early 1960s and become the 731 with a glucydur balance without any timing weights. The 770 movement eventually got a glucydur balance too but it's caliber didn't change. I've always thought that was interesting. I wonder what drove the model number changes - was it just marketing?
While all the parts are in the ultrasonic I will prep a new glass crystal for installation. There's a lot that goes into crystals and you usually have to go a little shaping with wet sandpaper to fine tune them for the bezel opening.
Everything has been cleaned and dried. I enjoy working on the 730 movement. It doesn't get the same amount of love that 770 movement gets but I find it a very satisfying movement to work on - it goes back together very easily.
The reassembled movement is ticking away with a nice motion - let's see what the timer has to say.
That's not too shabby - I was tweak the beat rate down a smidgeon but this watch is looking great otherwise.
A nice genuine leather strap completes the restoration of this fine Hamilton watch. It's ready for another 70 years of use.
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