1960 Automatic K-650

 Hamilton's first line of automatic models was the K-series and you could get models in everything from solid 14K gold all the way through stainless steel.  Only one model was offered in 10K rolled gold plate though - the K-650. 

The K-650 was introduced in 1959 and featured an embossed dial with numerals and markers.  If you come across this model you know it's a 1959 version.

In 1960 the dial was changed to yellow markers on a white (silver) rim.  Both models came the with same bracelet that reminds me of coffins and is easy to spot if you're in the market for one.

Being a X5X model, you'd be correct to assume the case back is stainless steel.  The 6XX denotes Rolled Gold Plate so the 650 is the first RGP / Stainless model in the K-series and it's the only one so there is no 651 or 652, etc.

If the dial looks familiar, I believe it's the same dial you'll find on a the 1958 K-451. So the easiest way to tell the difference between the K411 and K650 is the case back... if it's stainless steel, it's a  K650.

My project watch arrived in typical "as found in a drawer" condition.  It's actually not too bad and the owner provided a genuine Hamilton strap with a similar diamond-shaped pattern reminiscent of the coffin-linked bracelet.  The crystal on my project is a bit yellowed.  A fresh crystal will make a huge improvement.

Stainless steel can take a beating and this case back has a lot of scratches.  I should be able to polish most of them away, or at least make them less prominent.

Most K-series models use the same 17 jewel 661 movement made by Kurth Freres / Certina.  I like this movement.  It's big and chunky but it gets the job done and when it's well-maintained it's a real workhorse.

The movement is completely disassembled and cleaned.  It takes about 20 minutes to go through the cleaning cycle and two rinse cycles in my ultrasonic but the results and always sparkling.

The partially assembled movement is missing it's automatic bits but it's now running nicely.  At this point it's a manual-winding movement and will run just fine as is.  However, once the framework and rotor are attached the movement will wind itself as you wear it.

The timer agrees that this movement is running excellently - no adjustments are warranted.

As promised, a new crystal really makes this watch pop.  It's a gem for sure, even though it was probably positioned as Hamilton's least expensive automatic at the time.