1950 Austin

The early 1950s was the beginning of the end for the 14/0 sized movements that Hamilton introduced in the early 1930s.  That was a pretty long run for the 980 and 982 movements.  There were technological advances along the way and the 982M was introduced in 1940 but, for the most part, the 17 jewel 980 and 19 jewel 982/982M powered the majority of tank-shaped rectangular men's models

One of the transition models was the 1940 Austin.  It looks very similar to earlier models like the Dennis and even some of the 1930 models like the Cabot and Carson.  Unlike earlier models though, the Austin was available with a bracelet - this was a trend started in the late 1940s and would continue for the next 20 years.

The Austin was produced in a 10K gold filled case and that would imply it has a 17 jewel 980 movement.  14K gold filled models would get the 19 jewel 982.  The 982M was reserved for solid gold models.  The majority of Hamilton dials are this period has sterling silver dials and solid 18K gold markers or numerals.  So even the most basic Hamilton models still had top of the line features.

In 1952 the Austin was depicted with a different dial.  Instead of all numerals, markers were introduced in the odd-numbered positions.  The two-tone dial used previously was replaced with a single colored dial.  This was also the year that the 14/0 movements were replaced by new 12/0 calibers.  The 17 jewel 980 was replaced by the 12/0 752 movement.  Because the movements had different shapes, although the outside of the cases were identical, the insides couldn't be.  So the 12/0 cased versions were known as "B" models.  The Austin wasn't marketed as the Austin-B so it's not clear if you'll find 980 Austins with this new dial or not - but if you do see this dial, it's likely an Austin-B.

My project watch is clearly the earlier dial pattern - well maybe not entirely clearly, as the dial is extremely beat up.  However, you can see the dial as a two-tone design.  This effect is a result of brushing the finish in different directions.  The inner section is brushed vertically and the outer section is brushed horizontally - so the dark / light sections change depending on how the light hits the dial.

The crown on this watch is obviously shot.  With some luck I may be able to clean up the dial a little but it will only get slightly better.  Too much cleaning and it will be ruined.

This version of the 980 is highly damascened.  Based on the serial number, this movement was made in 1950.  The only difference between this and a 982 is the 982 would have a cap jewel covering the escape wheel in the train bridge.  It's a very pretty movement - considering only a watchmaker would be likely to look inside the case.

The inside of the case back shows the model name, along with the finger prints of someone handling the watch.

The dial-side of the main plate is unremarkable, other than the remnants of the crown on the stem.

The mainspring is an old blue steel design.  It's likely "set" and lost most of it's strength but, more importantly, this one has also broken.  So it needs to replaced for sure.

While everything is being cleaned I will prep a new glass crystal and Dynavar mainspring for installation.

All the parts are cleaned and dried before being reassembled.  I still need to dig out a replacement crown.

The new crystal is enjoying some UV rays while the glue dries in the bezel.

Looking closely at the 4th wheel, I can see the pivot is bent.  This will definitely impact the timing so I will replace it.

The freshly reassembled movement is now ticking away with a good motion.  Let's see what the timer has to say for it.

Looking good - a slight tweak to the regulator will bring the timing in line.

The finished watch looks great with a new crystal, crown, and strap.  The dial cleaned up fairly well and shows good, honest age that you'd expect from a 75 year old watch.