1953 Lindsay

Change is hard, as they say.  Like old soldiers who never die, when it comes to watch styles they just fade away.

If you step back and look at the various models in Hamilton's lineup you can almost see points in time when design aesthetics changed.  I guess that's why a lot of collectors tend to gravitate toward a favorite decade.

For example - the earliest men's models were fairly straightforward geometric shapes with three piece cases and only a handful of choices.  They were moderately large, by vintage standards, and the variety came in terms of different case materials and dial variations.

Then "this was in" and watches became sleeker, smaller, and often "long and lean"... curved to fit the wrist.  Some watches became small enough you could argue they were intended for women.  In fact, some models were offered in both the men's and women's line.

Soon after watches started to get some added flair with intricately flowing case shapes and complex surfaces.  The addition of specially paired bracelets echoed the case design.

That led to futuristic design with a modern interpretation that echoed the countries interest in space and the beyond.

In the 1960s it "was the sky's the limit" and there was a little something for everyone... with literally over 100 unique models in the men's lineup.  You could develop an impressive Hamilton collection by focusing solely on the 1960s.

Design influences didn't neatly evolve at specific time intervals.  There were external factors at play.  For instance, several watch manufacturers offered rose gold models in 1940 and they were universally disrupted by WWII.  After the war, rose gold apparently wasn't in vogue.  Some design aspects persisted and others eventually faded away.

I find "one year wonder" models to be interesting mileposts of design watershed moments.  It's as if they are the last hurrah that marked the end of one era and the start of something new.

Take, for example, the 1953 Lindsay.  It was produced for only a single year.

The Lindsay looks like a lot of other models, like the Grover  or the Medford, for instance.  Why was it only offered for a single year?  Perhaps the design was simply played out, and it was time for something new.  Starting in 1954 all sorts of new things would be introduced... automatics, calendar complications, even Electrics were right around the corner.

Although the Lindsay was produced for just a year, it's not an uncommon model.  I've seen quite a few but I always have to look it up because the ubiquitous design is so similar to other models.

The catalog doesn't go into much detail about the Lindsay's features.  The 17 jewel movement would indicate that it has 12/0 sized 752 movement inside.  The natural gold filled case would likely be 10K gold filled, as 14K gold filled cases typically received a 19 jewel movement.  The dial is a butler-finished sterling silver design with solid 18K gold numerals - a hallmark of Hamilton quality.

My project watch arrived in serious need of some TLC.  It's crystal and minute hand are missing in action and a fair degree of "dial rash" has started to develop.  It does seem to tick - so that's a promising sign.

The gold filled case back shows stripes from what was probably a one piece nylon strap threaded through the lugs.  I should be able to clean this up nicely.

The inside of the case back makes identifying the model easy.  The 12/0 sized 752 movement is very similar to the 770 movement that would replace it in 1955.  Most of the parts are interchangeable.  It's interesting that the serial number on the barrel bridge still has black enamel while all the other bridges have lost their enameling.

While all the parts are being cleaned I will install a new glass crystal in the bezel.  Glass crystals typically require a little shaping with 600 grit wet sandpaper and are held in place with UV glue.  It can take quite a while to get them to fit properly and if you're not careful, you can chip them and have to start over with a new crystal.

All of the parts are now cleaned and ready to be reassembled.  The bezel is outside sitting in the sun so the glue will cure.

I got everything back together and the movement would not run.  The balance swung nicely but nothing happened.  It didn't take long to realize there was no impulse jewel on the balance!  It must have fallen out somewhere along the way.  It's held in place with shellac.  Without the impulse jewel there's nothing for the pallet fork to drive.   I looked in my cleaning jars and it wasn't there - it's so tiny that it could be anywhere and I'd never see it.

I have found that new hobbyists commonly think isopropyl alcohol would be a good liquid to clean watch parts with... it's readily available, it dries quickly, it's a solvent, etc.  Although that's all true, it also dissolves shellac.  So if you're thinking about cleaning your watch, don't use alcohol, as you will likely lose the glue that holds the jewels in the pallet fork and balance roller table.

Of course, the impulse jewel may have come loose from being 73 years old as well.  So who knows why it's missing?  Regardless, at this point I can install another roller table from another balance or I can use another balance assembly - assuming I have one (which, fortunately, I do).

A replacement balance gets the movement back in functioning order.  Based on the time grapher,  only a slight tweak is needed to bring the beat rate in line.  Everything else is looking good.

The new glass crystal, replacement minute hand, and a fresh black strap complete the restoration of this fine 1953 Lindsay.  I was able to clean the dial up nicely - it's not perfect but people tend to have spots when they're 73 years old too - so we can afford to give this little watch some grace.  It's a nice watch and now ready for wrist time.