1966 Bartley

 Earlier this month I did a post on the 1935 Bartley.  30 years later Hamilton introduced another model with the same name.  There's no resemblance between the two or connection as far as I'm aware.  The latter Bartley was introduced in 1966 and produced through 1969.  It's unusual in that it's one of a few men's models to not feature a second hand.  That was a little more common in the late 1960s. 

The Bartley was presented in a 10K Rolled Gold Plated (RGP) case with a stainless steel back.  It's pretty much an entry level model in the terms of Hamiltons line up but priced at around $70 it wasn't "cheap" .

Based on the catalog, it may be safe to assume that it was presented only on a metal bracelet, as it doesn't mention the option of a strap.

My project watch has been patiently waiting it's trip to the spa.  I've had it for a long time, years in fact.  It's on a bracelet too but it's an aftermarket Speidel and doesn't do much for me other than pull the occasional arm hair - so it will have to go.

Looking closely at the catalog image, my watch has different hands.  That's not entirely unheard of.  It wasn't uncommon for the factory to use what it had available, especially in really busy times of the year like graduation or Christmas time frames.  If you didn't have the catalog to compare to there would be no reason to question the style of the hands, they are very fitting and the proper length.  The minute hand should reach the nearest figure or marker.

The crystal is acrylic and although it doesn't look too bad from the front, from the side there is a lot of internal crazing.  So I'll replace it with a glass crystal that's more fitting.

The dial appears to be original.  It has a nice radial finish with a little wear to the edges where it rubs against the case.  The -SWISS- on the dial is a clue that this model features an imported movement.

Tucked inside the case is a 17 jewel Hamilton 681 movement.  It's based on a A Schild 1200, in case you need to find parts.  Notice the inside of the case back has two sets of numbers.  The upper one with the R is unique to this example and the other one is the model number.  The fact that it ends with 66 implies this model was introduced in 1966.

The dial side of the movement is very simple and has just the basics.

While the movement is being cleaned I will prepare a glass crystal for installation.  The numbers 222 and 222 imply this is a square crystal, no difference between the top/bottom vs the sides.

All the parts and cleaned and ready to be reassembled.  I like the 681, it's a very thin movement and it almost assembles itself.

With the balance reinstalled and the balance jewels secured by the shock spring, the movement is back to ticking away.  It's looking good so far.

Not too shabby at all.  I'll see if I can fine tune it any further.

A tweak here, a tweak there, a little more, a little less - eventually I get it dialed in very nicely.

The new crystal looks great and a nice leather strap completes the restoration of this almost 60 year old watch.  It's a very simple but elegant design, don't you think?