1968 Thinline 6507

 It's been a while since I came across a new model that I haven't done.  This one is a Thinline 6507.  I could have sworn I'd seen one before but, to my surprise, I hadn't.  That's probably because it looks like a lot of other watches.

There are plenty of ubiquitous round models with all numeral dials and at first glance I would guess the Thinline 6507 was just another "sea-something".  It came in a 10K RGP case with a stainless steel back.  I guess what set it apart from the other similar models is it's thin-ness.  Thin was in, in the 1960s.

This model only shows up in the 1968 catalog and, like a lot of models, it didn't make the transition into the 1970s.

My project watch arrived with a request to check it out as it "had been recently serviced'.  It doesn't look very clean to my eye but I was also asked to not polish the case so maybe that's the way the owner likes it to look.

The case back is stainless steel and exhibits the scars of several desperate attempts to open the case.  Fortunately they were not successful, as this is a one piece case and opens through the crystal. 

Tucked inside the case is a Hamilton 639 movement.  This caliber is based on a Buren 280.  Hamilton owned Buren by this time and would move production to Buren's factory in Switzerland in just another year after this watch was made.

Does this look like a recently serviced movement to you?   Me either.  Of course, some people have a different definition of "service".  I know a few ebay sellers who define service as "I put fresh oil where I could reach", which is like putting on new deodorant and calling yourself clean.  You may smell clean but you're still dirty.  This is not a clean movement. 

With the hands and dial removed, the dial-side of the main plate doesn't look recently serviced either.  In fact, I see some minor rust starting to form on the stem and set lever.

My definition of service is to take the movement completely apart and thoroughly clean all the parts to get rid of any old oil, grease or debris inside.  Then put it all back together with fresh lubricants in all the specified wear places.

The reassembled movement is now ticking away with a nice motion.  Notice how much bright and shiny it is now.

It's running a bit slow.  Fortunately it won't take much of an adjustment to bring the beat rate right in line.

There - pretty much right on the money now.

One of the reasons the stem and set lever were rusty is the crown is shot.  I'll install a new one (on the right).  Fortunately I can reuse the female stem hub.

I installed a new crystal but left the case in it's current condition.  It looks great and is now officially "serviced".