1966 Thin-o-matic T213

 I love a good mystery, and when it comes to Hamilton watches, there are occasionally mystery watches that eventually get identified.

A good example, is the 1964 Fairlane.  It was a mysterious watch that was eventually identified because an example was found with it's original box. 

Another example is the 1928 Oval.  It wasn't cataloged but was shown in advertisements.

Some hard to identify models are actually awards division watches.  They weren't shown in the retail catalogs but they're easier to spot because they often will say "masterpiece" on the dial or have they typical engraving pattern on the back denoting who it was presented to.

I recently had the opportunity to identify another mysterious model.  I consulted with my friend Andrew Krug, author of the Hamilton Field Guide (hamiltonfieldguide.com).  The 1966 price list shows a model that is not presented in the 1966 catalog.  Based on all that is known and by process of elimination, we agreed that the watch in question is a 1966 Thin-o-matic T-213.

How did we arrive at the conclusion?  The type of movement would imply it's a Thin-o-matic.  The case is solid 14K so that means it's a T-2-something.  The case back is not stainless steel so it's not a T-25-something, plus there are no T-25 somethings.  All of the T-2-somethings are identifiable.  Now, it's possible that it could be a T-212 but there is no mention anywhere of a T-212... the price lists go from T-211 (and T-211B) to the T-213.   So we landed on this watch being a T-213.

As received, the watch is in typical "as found in a dresser drawer" condition.  The lugs have a slight groove from being paired with a metal bracelet.  The dial on this watch is very interesting.  It has a raised wall around the perimeter that integrates with the hour markers for 1, 5, 7 and 11.  The luminous markers are 12, 3, 6 and 9 are the same style but the markers are 12 are flipped to form a shape resembling a heart.  I think it's really a great dial design!

The solid 14K gold back has notches to accept a case wrench and unscrews.

Tucked inside a pink micro-rotor movement, specifically the 666 caliber.  I think this caliber is aptly numbered, as it can be devil to reassemble if you're not familiar with it.  The movement is secured in the case with two screws and retainer clips.

The case back is properly marked and clearly an authentic Hamilton model.  This watch has been serviced several times over the last 60 years.

Here's a better shot of the dial.  I believe it's both embossed and has applied gold numerals / figures.

Everything is cleaned and ready to be reassembled.  It always feels like there are twice as many parts to a microrotor movement than an other typical Hamilton caliber.  There's a specific order of assembly to follow but it will all go back together smoothly.

The reassembled movement comes back to life once the balance is reinstalled and the balance jewels are closed within the incablock springs.  It's off to the timer to listen to the ticking.

Not too shabby at all.  I'll leave it here for now.

A new crystal completes the restoration of this fine watch.  I love solid gold Hamiltons.  My advice to new collectors is to focus on solid gold (or platinum) models.  All of the models are exquisite and although the size of the collection will be smaller, the cost to maintain the collection will also be smaller.  Of course, there are some really great models that aren't cased in solid gold, so there are exceptions to the rule.  But you really can't go wrong when it comes to a solid gold Hamilton.