1958 Prentice

I've documented over 80% of the men's mechanical models that Hamilton produced.  I'll probably never get to 100% because some of them are super rare and / or super expensive.  That's understandable, all forms of collecting have their "white whales". 

However, there are still quite a few more garden variety models to be found.  One to check of the list is the 1958 Prentice.  It was produced for four years.  In 1958 and 1959 it was offered in a 10K yellow GRP case with a stainless back.  The dial featured embossed numerals and markers.

In 1960 and 1961, the dial was changed to feature solid 14K gold numerals and dots but at the same price point.  This is a fun and interesting aspect to identifying models - sometimes the dial changes depending on the year.

Tucked within the case you will find an 8/0 size 730 movement, regardless of the model year.

My project watch is a 1960 or 1961version based on the dial.  It's a little beat up and dirty but I think it will cleanup well.

The flat stainless steel back is unremarkable other than it doesn't show the typical wear through that a RGP or gold filled case back would have.  Sometimes case backs can be worn all the way through to a hole - but not stainless steel.

The glass crystal is very scratched and hard to see through.  A replacement will make a huge improvement.

The dial has a dusty looking patina but I don't think it's actually dust.  Cleaning dials is something I try not to do because you stand a good chance of making it worse.  For example, I don't want to lose the printing of Hamilton or the seconds cross hair.  Instead, I'll use rodico putty to gently dab the dial and brighten up the numerals and dots.

I like the 730 movement.  It's not bullet proof but it's about as robust as you'll find.  It's essentially a 747 movement but with shock jewels to protect the balance.  It a great movement to learn on.... you can goof it up but it almost reassembles itself if you're careful with it.  It's definitely easier than it's 735 sibling with a sweep second hand.

Everything is cleaned and dried.  Time for reassembly.

The movement is noticeably shinier now that it's had a bath and it's ticking away with a nice motion.

It's running a little fast but the beat error is great.  The amplitude is a little low but it's not fully wound yet.

A quick tweak to the regulator brings the beat rate in line.  It doesn't take much to adjust the timing of a watch... good or bad.

A new glass crystal is definitely in order.  This crystal is 23.5mm by 23.5mm but the shape of the contoured edges is important to match up with the bezel opening.

The finished watch looks great and paired with a nice brown leather strap, this watch is ready for some wrist time again.  The dial still shows it's patina but when you get to be 65 years old you tend to have a few extra spots too.