1964 was an interesting year for Hamilton watches. It was the only year that featured the M-series of men's models and there were a few one-year-wonders too. The M-series was made for several years but only 1964 featured them with the rest of the line.
As for watches you'd only find in 1964, one of them is the Thinline 2005.
The Thinline 2005 was cased in solid 14K gold. It's a unique in that it didn't have a second hand. That's uncommon but not unheard of. You could be forgiven if you feel sub second hands are over rated. They are so small. Without a second hand the dial is a cleaner, simpler design. This simple design is even more apparent when the watch is super thin, like a Thinline model.
Being a one-year-wonder and cased solid gold, you don't come across the Thinline 2005 very often. That's a little surprising though, I think it was bargain. Priced originally at $135 in 1964 is like being priced in at $1,300 in 2024. Try finding a solid gold watch today for $1,300.
This is the first time I've seen one so it's a new model for the blog. My project watch is in excellent condition, other than a slightly scratched dial. The finish on the dial is very interesting. A lot of dials have a brushed finish that radiates from the center outward, but this dial seems to radiate from the bottom upward and out. My camera doesn't do it justice.
The caseback is super-flat and unremarkable other than the usual Hamilton markings.
This watch even came with its original Hamilton strap - although it's broken at the buckle and cannot be reused. The Hamilton-branded buckle could be reused though - if you found a tapered strap to fit it.
Inside the case is a 17 jewel 687A movement. The interior of the case has the usual Hamilton markings. The number with the V is the serial number unique to this case. The other number is the model number and the ending in 64 is a clue this model was introduced in 1964. There are no other markings inside the case, so I may be the first person to see the inside of this watch in the last 60 years.
Everything is taken apart and thoroughly cleaned. The crystal has been polished and should be okay to reuse. Now to reassemble it with fresh lubrication.
I find that the Thinline movements almost reassemble themselves. The short arbors for the gear train mean the bridges almost always line up on the first try. Of course, you still need to be very careful but it didn't take too long to get the watch running again with a good motion.
Sure enough, the timer agrees. This watch is running nicely.
A new genuine croc strap is a great finishing touch on this beautiful time piece. It even has it's original box.
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