1938 Contour

In the 1930s "thin was in" and most prominent watch manufacturers introduced long and skinny models.  However, the challenge with long and skinny watches is if they're flat they don't fit comfortably on the wrist.  So Hamilton introduced models that were "curved to fit the wrist". 

One of the most wrist-accommodating models was the 1938 Contour.  It's a driver's watch and was designed to be worn on the side of the wrist so you could see read the time without letting go of the steering wheel.  That left the other arm free to be around your best gal.  It was produced for only two years.

Thanks to the flexible lugs, you could wear the watch in three positions... on top, on the inside or on the side of the wrist.

The Contour was unique in several ways.  First, there's no second hand.  An earlier model, called the 1936  Norfolk, also didn't have a second hand, but it used a movement that didn't feature one.  The Contour used a 14/0 sized 980 movement - which did feature a second hand - in every model except this one.  

The second unique feature to the Contour is the movement is rotated 90 degrees so the crown is on top, near the 12.  It makes it a little hard to wind, in my opinion, but that was the only way to get it to fit so snugly.

My project watch is very dirty but it is actually in excellent shape.  The flexible lugs are still quite tight and there's virtually no wear to my eye.

The dial is very dirty.  The numerals are solid gold but they don't look it.  Hopefully I can clean up the dial a little bit.

The 980 movement is correct for a gold filled watch like this.  The serial number G161902 dates to 1938, just as it should.

This version of the 980 features a 4th wheel without an extended bit to hold the second hand.  That's the only thing different about this movement versus any other 980 movement.

This dial shows no signs of ever being refinished.  That's great because original dials often clean up nicely.  Refinished dials, on the other hand, can respond poorly to cleaning attempts.

No surprise that the blue steel mainspring has set in place.  I'll replace it with a fresh white alloy mainspring.  That will probably double the run time of the watch.

Everything is cleaned and dried.  The dial cleaned up well - it still looks 85 years old but I hope I look this good when I reach that age.

A new glass crystal will be a nice improvement to go along with this very nice case.

My camera froze the movement of the balance but it's beating away with a fine motion.  Let's see what the timer has to say.

Not too shabby - good amplitude, good beat error, and just a smidgen fast.

With a fresh genuine lizard strap, the finished watch is a real beauty.  I like the vintage patina on the dial - it's not grungy anymore but it doesn't look new like a refinished dial would.