Welcome


Greetings!

Thanks for visiting my vintage Hamilton watch blog. I like to restore US-made Hamilton wrist watches back to their original glory and share my experiences with other enthusiasts. Use the "Search" space below if you know what model you're looking for. Feel free to leave polite comments or questions in the spaces provided. Also check out my "watches for sale" on my Etsy site - the link is on the right, just below.

1970's models & beyond

1970 4005-3
1970 Chrono-Diver
1970's Dateline 64005-4
1970's Dateline 64029-4
1970's Dateline 64049-3
1970's Ladies' Pendant
1970 Sea Cliff III
1970 Thinline 2053
1971 Dateline LA-5600
1971 Dateline A-587
1971 Dateline A-588
1971 Dateline TM-5902
1971 Day N' Date 6001
1971 Day N' Date 6002
1971 Thin-o-matic TM-4801
1972 Accumatic A-515
1972 Dateline 930172
1972 Dateline A-593
1972 Day 'N Date 6007
1972 Thinline 930072
1973 Accumatic A-517
1973 Auto Cal Delta
1973 Auto Cal Reliance
1973 Auto Cal Sovereign
1973 Auto Date Buccaneer 
1973 Auto Saratoga / Yorktowne
1973 Day 'N Date 5006
1973 Thinline 912373
1973 W10 British Military Field Watch
1975 Auto Date Chadwick
1975 Auto Date Explorer
1975 Auto Cal 836012-3
1970's Thinline 19001-3
1976 GG-W-113
1977 Mantel Clock
1977 Mil-W-46374B

23 comments:

  1. Do you have areview of the 1970 cal 666 microrotor .thanks

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  2. I would like to know if there s a way to have a watch band custom made or remade to fit a certain watch. I do realize that they are not your specialty, but you might know a thing or two about them. I have a 1970-1977 Hamilton led watch that has a rare case design. If there was a way to describe it, I would say that the end of the band is in the shape of "normal" lugs, and the case has the "normal" shape of the end of a band. Hamilton was the first manufacturer of led watches, and this band is rather hard to find. the band I had was destroyed, I will not expose how
    (as this information might "incriminate" me) it was destroyed, but I need to find a band for it. Any information will be of great help.

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    1. Most of the digital watches from the '70's that I'm aware of had integrated bracelets. So when you say a "band" do you mean a bracelet or a strap?

      You might find a decent matching bracelet on eBay if you know the maker of the original bracelet (should be stamped underneath it somewhere). Certainly straps are often an option too and there are a variety of materials to choose from (silicone, exotic skins, etc).

      Things get tricky when the bracelet requires special ends to accommodate the watch case. Often those ends are replaceable though. So knowing the maker of the old bracelet will help you find a replacement and even if it has different ends you might be able to swap them with yours - as long as they're in good shape.

      Or you might be screwed... in which case it sounds like you might already have that coming to you.

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    2. It is a bracelet, and yes, I'm probably screwed in this case. I have been looking around on eBay. There is a serial number on the case back, 993376. I personally haven't a single clue about serial numbers, but you might know a thing or two about them. Anyway, thanks for the help.

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  3. hello, I'm trying to find the value of a ladies bracelet style Hamilton 17 Jewel wristwatch. I believe it is from the 1970-80's - Hamilton on face&Back of case says Hamilton 14K, inside back case 24I704 - inside on works says "17 Jewel-773-unadjusted-Hamilton watch co." The case is oval and surrounded with 20 diamonds. I'd really appreciate your help! thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Ladies watches really aren't that collectible. It's a little sad but I guess they are too small and too plentiful. So the value is really a function of the gold content and the diamonds... probably $150 or thereabouts. You'd have to consult a local jeweler or two for a realistic value but looking at sold listings on eBay for similar watches is a good reference too.

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    2. I did check on E-bay and Etsy & spoke with someone who deals in pre-owned jewelry, but she wasn't sure...guess she knew more than she thought-her guess was around $150! Thanks for the quick reply!

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  4. I have a Hamilton digital watch that my wife purchased for me in the mid 70's. It is gold in color with the number 993376 on the back. It was one of the very early digital watches with the red, oblong face and led display. Any idea on value?

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    Replies
    1. It really depends on condition and whether or not it works. You can look on eBay for closed (sold) listings to get an idea of potential value.

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  5. where is the best place to have my watch repaired and cleaned

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    1. At a watchmaker, as opposed to a jeweler. Most jewelers will send the watch out to a watchmaker and charge you a fee. Skip the middle man.

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  6. I have a 1970's or 1980's 14k gold automatic women's watch and want to know the model and date of manufacture (and whether it is solid gold or electroplate). I have photos of the watch, the inside of the case and the movement that I can send. According to Hamilton Watch Company, the watch style and Hamilton logo design are late 1970s / early 1980s, but they couldn't tell me anything more without a serial number.

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    1. I can’t tell you either but is there a number on the back?

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  7. Hi I have an old gold face men's Hamilton quartz can u give me any info please? Number on back is 708004-14

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  8. Hi, I have a vintage Hamilton that I did not find in your catalog...which is very impressive.
    Anyway, may I send you an image in Hope's you can identify it?
    I believe it is 1960's era.
    Thank you in advance.

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    Replies
    1. Sure, look for my shop on Etsy.com under “HamiltonChronicles”

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  9. Where can I find information about the pan europ automatic. Sellers saying from 1971.

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  10. Hello, Dan

    First, I really enjoy your site. I've found it very interesting and informative. I appreciate the time and energy you obviously put in to it. Anyway, I don't know if you do this for folks, but I am seeking some advice about a Swiss Hamilton from the 70s that I've found on eBay. I'm interested in it, but I have some concerns about it. Here's the link to the sale:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/334505353864?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e11604.m43.l3160&mkcid=26&ch=osgood&euid=d0bb3d4ba7524399bbf5625edd853f48&bu=43201777186&osub=-1%7E1&crd=20220803141337&segname=11604

    I'm concerned about the dial's condition and originality, generally, and the Hamilton logo, specifically. Do they paint them on like this ? I've seen ones from this era with raised metal logos applied to the dial. And the "Swiss" mark at 6 o'clock and its surrounding index markers look pretty sketchy. I'm wondering if this is a redial or touched up.

    If you don't offer this kind of advice for folks, nbd. I understand. But if you have any thoughts about this watch you'd like to share, I would greatly appreciate them. Thanks, again, for your great site. I look forward to seeing the next project!

    Cheers, Chris V.

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    1. I think it looks fine and it's probably the beat up crystal that makes the dial look sketchy. I don't know what that model is though. I believe it's a ladies model and much smaller than a men's watch - so if you think it's a men's model then caveat emptor.

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    2. Thanks, Dan! I appreciate your input. I tried reaching out to the seller with some questions about the watch before I asked for your opinion and I have not heard back. I might try a follow up and get a width measurement before I decide how to proceed. Thanks, again!

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  11. Good morning, I wonder if you can help, I am trying to find a copy of a watch my father had in the 70s/80s. I have searched the Internet but found nothing. It was a small rectangular watch, dark blue face with no numbers and a thick chamfered edge acrylic front, metal case. Is there any chance you could identify this Hamilton watch? It was purchased from Preston’s of Bolton in England. They have long gone as my father has. Any help you could give would be much appreciated.
    Thanks Jonathan Close. Jonathanclose1@aol.com

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