1948 Kirk

Vintage watches tend to be on the small size.  Of all the decades Hamilton produced wrist watches, the 1940s are arguably the smallest.  Some would make excellent ladies watches by today's standards but I actually like most mens models from this period.  I think it's just the elegant simplicity that appeals to me.  Dials were sterling silver, markers were solid gold, every model was of the highest quality and made in the good ol' US of A.

Nothing beats a Hamilton cased in solid gold, unless you want to discuss platinum.  Most solid gold models were cased in 14K but there are a couple 18K or 10K models too.  One of the 14K models from the 1940s is the Kirk.  It was introduced in 1948 and produced through 1953 - so it was a popular model.

In 1948 the Kirk would set you back $132.  Adjusted for inflation, that's about $1,700 today.  So it was not an inexpensive purchase.  In 1953 the cost of the Kirk increased to $135 and you can see that a white gold Kirk was also available.  I've never seen one of those before - that would be an awesome find!

My project watch arrived in "as found in a jewelry box" condition - which is exactly how it came into the owner's possession - it was in his mom's jewelry box presumably placed there in 1974 when his father passed away.  Family watches are the best and make fantastic heirlooms.

Opening it up, the case back has some dents along the rim at about 4:00 in the photo below.  They're not original so I suspect someone tweaked the case, perhaps to keep the movement from rattling?  It appears to snap closed well so I won't open this pandora's box.  It's best to leave things as they are unless it's a problem.

I didn't see any obvious watchmaker marks in the case but this movement has definitely had some work done to it.  First, the serial number dates to 1949.  The balance is a glucyur design (there are no timing screws on it) so it likely came from a 731 or two 736 movement (which were introduced in the 1960s and based on the 747 movement).  Also, the regulator is missing the long arm and is set to "ultra fast" and I'm not sure what is up with that.  One thing I am sure of is the movement is not running.  So I'll give it a good cleaning and go from there.

Everything is disassembled, inspected and thoroughly cleaned.  It all looks good so I'll reassemble it with the proper lubricants in all the wear spots.

Once the balance is dropped into place, the movement comes alive with a good motion.  Lets see what the timer thinks.

Hmm, running slow but in "ultra-fast" position.  There's not much more room to adjust the regulator.  Upon close inspection, I can see the hairspring came out of the regulator fork so I'll correct that and reinstall the balance.

That's much better, with a little tweaking I've got the beat right where I want it.  A glucydur balance is factory-poised and weighted.  The only adjustment is the length of the hairspring so even though the regulator is out of the normal F-S range, it's doing it's thing just fine.  The only other option would be to replace the balance but in this situation the old adage truly applies - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

A new crystal and genuine gator strap complete the restoration of this 1949 Kirk.  It's now ready for the next generation to enjoy it.